Longsight Mechanics Institution Stockport Road Longsight

LONGSIGHT MECHANICS INSTITUTION , LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW BUILDING - About 500 square yards of land adjoining the turnpike road and nearly opposite the old building was purchased at a small chief rent from Mr Hayley, architect, of Manchester. The building will be of brick with stone facings and will comprise three storeys including the basement. Besides a library, three or four class- rooms, and a reading and news room, there will also be a large concert room occupying the whole of the upper floor. Apartments will also be provided for a keeper. Mr Walker (of the firm Holmes and Walker) is the architect, the materials being provided by several contractors. The building will cost between £1,500 and £1,600 of which £900 has already been subscribed. [Manchester Guardian Monday 26 July 1858 Page 3]

It was in 1854 that the establishment of a Literary and Mechanics' Institution for Longsight which was then called a "now populous and rapidly increasing village," was first seriously attempted. A preliminary meeting was held on the 10th August in that year, under the presidency of the Rev. J. P. Pitcairn, and eventually it was resolved, on the 15th December following, to form such an institution. Premises were taken, and the opening tea party was held on Easter Monday, 9th April, 1855, with Mr. Robert Rumney in the chair, and among the speakers was Mr. Harry Rawson. The first President was Mr. Richard Holt, and the Secretary was Mr. Thomas Froggatt, Mr. Rumney being subsequently appointed Chairman of Directors. In a short time the original quarters proved too small, and at the Annual Meeting in January, 1857, a movement was begun for the provision of a new building. Eighteen months afterwards, on 24th July, 1858, the foundation stone of the present building was laid by Mr. Ivie Mackie, Mayor of Manchester, who also presided at its formal opening on 1st March, 1859. The cost amounted to about £2,000, over £900 of which was raised by a bazaar - the rest coming from public subscriptions.

The Mechanics' Institution was the most important educational agency in the district for many years, embracing, as it did, library, reading room, elementary school, and classes for foreign languages and more advanced subjects, and many excellent series of concerts, lectures, and high-class entertainments were provided during the early part of its history. For some time past, however, owing to the provision of increased facilities elsewhere, the need for the Institution was no longer felt, its use fell off, and ultimately, in December, 1890, the Trustees passed this resolution - That, having regard to the recent incorporation of Gorton in the City of Manchester, it is desirable in the interest of the members of the Longsight Mechanics' Institution and of the inhabitants of the district, that the property and effects of the said Institution should be transferred, with its liabilities, to the Manchester Corporation, for the purposes of a Free Library, or for such other public purposes not inconsistent with the original objects of the said Institution. Negotiations were forthwith opened with the Corporation, and after the Institution had been formally dissolved at a meeting held on 29th May, 1891, the Public Free Libraries Committee entered into possession of the property. The Longsight Branch Free Library, was formally opened by Mr. Alexander Ireland, on the afternoon of Saturday, July 23, 1892 ["The Manchester Public Free Libraries"]

Foundation stone laid by Ivie Mackie, the Mayor of Manchester at 3.00pm on Saturday 24 July 1858. Formal opening  1st March, 1859. The contract notice describes the site as near the Victoria Park gates.

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 22 May 1858 Page (Contracts)
Reference     Manchester Guardian Saturday 27 May 1858 Page (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian Monday 26 July 1858 Page 3  Foundation Stone
Reference    W. R. Credland "The Manchester Public Free Libraries" published 1899.