The Story of Walter Parsonson and the making of Sheffield Libraries

Walter Parsonson (image by courtesy of Picture Sheffield. Ref: u04592)

In this podcast recorded for Sheffield Libraries, Reading Sheffield’s website editor Val Hewson discusses the life of ‘young’ Walter Parsonson, Sheffield’s first public librarian, and his role in setting up Sheffield Public Libraries over 160 years ago. It offers a glimpse into life in Sheffield back in Victorian times. This is a story of aspiration, self-improvement and achievement – a very Victorian story – but like a classic narrative of the period, it has a sad ending.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

You can read more about Walter Parsonson by searching our blog.