A History of Teesside Public Libraries

Public libraries have played an important role in communities across Teesside for generations.

As part of the Tom Leonard Lecture Series, writer and researcher Debbie Rolls explores their history, their importance to local communities and the significance they have held across Teesside over the years.

In 2023, Debbie wrote Everyone Welcome: Remembering and Celebrating Teesside Public Libraries with photographer Jo Booth, as part of the Crossing the Tees Book Festival. The project captured the social history and community memories of public libraries across the Tees Valley, drawing on stories and photographs shared by local people.

For the 2026 Crossing the Tees Book Festival, Debbie has been delving further into local library archives. With 2026 marking the National Year of Reading, she brings that research to Land of Iron for an evening exploring the history, importance and legacy of Teesside's public libraries.

Event details

Date: Thursday 29 October 2026
Doors open: 6pm
Talk begins: 6.30pm
Ends: Approximately 7.45pm
Venue: Land of Iron, Mill Lane, Skinningrove, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS13 4AP

Tickets

£5 per person, plus online booking fee.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Advance booking is available through Ticket Tailor.
Ticket Tailor will also give you the option to make a suggested £1 donation to Land of Iron when booking. This donation is optional.

Land of Iron’s programme of events and activities is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.