Public Libraries in the UK

Up until the end of the nineteenth century, the provision of free libraries depended wholly on the generosity of benefactors like Dick Whittington, who bequeathed a library for public use by the citizens of London. In the main, books were hired from circulating libraries, tobacconists and street hawkers. Edward Edwards was to change all that.

Educated by the Mechanics Institute, a league catering for working men eager for self education, Edwards campaigned passionately for free libraries. His articles impressed Dumfries MP, William Ewart, so much, that an attempt to establish "libraries freely open to the public...in towns in Great Britain and Ireland" was put before Parliament. Despite opposition, their combined efforts bore fruit when in August 1850 the Public Libraries Act received Royal Assent and allowed local councils to fund a "Public Library or Museum of Art and Science or both". For the first time, ordinary people could enjoy free access to the world's storehouse of knowledge and great literature.

Today the public library service lies at the very heart of every community in the United Kingdom, underpinning education and enriching the quality of life. It is perhaps the biggest cultural revolution the nation has seen, a revolution that began with the Public Libraries Act of 1850 and one that is still in full swing.

The Royal Mint, in conjunction with the Library Association, marked the 150th Anniversary of the Act with a commemorative fifty pence coin. The reverse design, created by Mary Milner Dickens, depicts the turning pages of a book above the pediment of a classical library building. The facade is decorated with CDs to give a modern perspective. The obverse features the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, FSNAD.

Public Library Milestones

1850 Public Libraries Act.
1857 Braille books appeared.
1877 The Library Association was founded.
1884 Microfilm was used by libraries for the first time.
1919 London University opened the first school of librarianship.
1964 Public Libraries Act obligated every council to provide a library service.
1967 The first computerised circulation system was introduced in libraries.
2000 150th Anniversary of the first Public Libraries Act.

Obverse

The obverse was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. The text reads:

ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 2000

Reverse

The reverse design depicts turning pages of a book above the pediment of a classical library building, its facade covered with CDs to give a modern perspective. It was designed by sculptor Mary Milner Dickens.

Specification

Metal	Silver
Diameter	27.3mm
Weight / Size	Piedfort
Silver Weight Troy Ounces	0.476
Fineness / Carat	0.925 Sterling
Mintage Figure	5,721
Date	2000
Obverse Designer	Ian Rank-Broadley
Reverse Designer	Mary Milner Dickens
Issuing Monarch	Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Mint / Brand	The Royal Mint
Country	United Kingdom

Terms of Sale - Key Points

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Bullion coins are provided as is and on occasion may have some minor scratches or edge knocks. These are not regarded as faulty or damaged goods as their precious metal content and value as a bullion coin is not affected. Any coin sold for a value less than a 180% intrinsic is considered a bullion coin.

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If your product is not a graded coin and is considered a bullion item, it should be noted that these are bought and sold on low premiums over their precious metal content and not solely for aesthetic purposes; therefore, some products may have edge knocks and/or marks. These edge knocks and marks do not alter the specifications of the coins.

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