Before the public library: the story of James Woollen of Sheffield and his 'Circulating Library'

Sheffield has a long and diverse library culture spanning back to the 18^th century.  Community libraries and book clubs such as The Sheffield Subscription Library (1771-1907), the Vestry Library (1793-c.1839), the Book Society (1806-1944) and the Book Club (1821-1864) thrived for many years as important social institutions in the city.

James Woollen, pictured in the early
19th century (Picture Sheffield: s13683)

One of the movers and shakers in Sheffield’s early library provision was James Woollen, the son of an innkeeper, who ran the ‘Circulating Library’ on Market Street in 1791.  This early venture failed, resulting in his bankruptcy, but undeterred, he moved to High Street where he ran a successful bookshop and stationers, as well as a library.  He is listed in the 1797 Sheffield Directory as: ‘James Woollen, bookseller, stationer, hardwareman, toyman and keeper of the British Circulating Library. 32 High Street.’ 

His premises were low and gloomy, with a little chamber at the back used by the famous Sheffield sculptor, Francis Chantrey, when he was an apprentice to Mr Ramsay, a carver and gilder of High Street.  A catalogue of 1806 (at Sheffield Local Studies Library) shows he also sold maps, sealing wax, ink-pots and lottery tickets!

Library members paid a subscription of 14 shillings a year and could change their books up to 4 times a week.  They were invited to send a list of between 10 and 14 books 'to avoid disappointment'.  Non-members could borrow the cheapest publications for a penny a time and keep them for two days with a scale of fines which started at half a penny for late returns.  More valuable books were more expensive to borrow, for example 'Trials for Adultery', which ran into 6 volumes, cost 24 shillings to borrow.

His stock included children's books such as 'Dick the Little Pony' and 'The Story of David Doubtful'.  His array of science books included 'Hocus Pocus: or The Art of Conjuration'.  He also stocked: ‘The Pigeon Fanciers Guide’ and dozens of novels and romances including 'Nobility Run Mad' and 'Fatal Attachment: A French Tale'.

By 1813 Woollen was printing books himself as well as selling wallpaper and patent medicines.  He died in 1814 aged 54 years and was buried in Ecclesall Churchyard. His obituary in The Iris on 3rd May 1814 mentioned the many years he had served as member of the Regiment of Sheffield Volunteers and Quartermaster of the local Militia.  He had also been a prominent member of the local Fraternity of Freemasons and 49 of his Brethren attended his funeral.

Article by Pat Dallman, Sheffield Local Studies Library

Sources:

James Woollen’s obituary, The Iris, 3^rd May 1814 (Sheffield Local Studies Library); John Stokes, ‘Notes on some Sheffield masonic worthies’, 1922 (Sheffield Local Studies Library: 366.1 SSTQ).

An excellent account of Sheffield’s early libraries can be found in ‘Reading Sheffield: Sheffield Libraries and Book Clubs, 1771-1850’ by Loveday Herridge and Sue Roe (in ‘Before the Public Library’, eds. Kyle B. Roberts and Mark Towsey, 2017).  See also https://www.readingsheffield.co.uk/