Fears for future of Rawmarsh's Carnegie library

This information was given to me by a Rawmarsh ward councillor at the pool when I visited on the last day it was open to the public.

Hence we now have the pools in Rotherham centre and Wath, which means that anyone living in Rawmarsh has to travel a minimum of two miles to swim, which MUST be good for the environment.

I am sure that your correspondents are correct in believing that the land was gifted to the people of Rawmarsh, as this is exactly what I was told by my father and grandfather, both lifelong residents of the area.

I also note that Rawmarsh will shortly have a new Service Centre at Barbers Avenue, which will include a library. It will be interesting to see what plans Rotherham MBC have for the old Carnegie Library, which has served Rawmarsh residents for over 100 years, and still has remnants of its former glory with domed roof light, mosaic and parquet floors, though its polished wooden shelving and counters were sacrificed years ago as part of modernisation.

Of the 660 Carnegie libraries built in the UK many have been given listed building status, whilst just a few have been demolished.

Given the track record for what happens in Rawmarsh now we no longer have our own Council, I suspect it will be the latter fate which awaits our historic library.

What a pity that we in the Rotherham area do not have a council and councillors who value their heritage and history, but pay homage to Mammon, and base their planning policies on those of the Huns and the Vandals.

Joan Pritchard, address supplied.