As a schoolboy in the early 1960s, I was a quite regular user of the the old library opposite Benfleet Primary School. I was always fascinated by the travel book section. The best book that I remember borrowing was all about Yeti, aka the Abominable Snowman, and his mysterious footprints left in the snow. Over 50 years later, I visited Nepal on holiday and although I kept my eyes peeled, I never did see any Yeti footprints in Kathmandu. Perhaps August wasn’t the best month to go?
I remember Ken (Deacon?) the softly-spoken Librarian who always seemed to be working there during my childhood and long after. I still have family living in Benfleet and as I drive past the site of the Old Library I can remember him briskly walking with a military-like gait along the High Road in his trilby, buttoned up gabardine mackintosh and shiny shoes. He was always tightly clutching a brown leather, zipped flat document case under his arm, tightly gripped against his body with his elbow. He was always helpful and seemed like a nice man.
By David Jiggens (17/02/2024)
I loved this little library in the early 80s. I would park my bmx around the left hand side, no lock, and spend ages looking for choose your own adventure books. I do remember the story about the library policeman, if you lost a book!! Happy memories.
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As a schoolboy in the early 1960s, I was a quite regular user of the the old library opposite Benfleet Primary School. I was always fascinated by the travel book section.
The best book that I remember borrowing was all about Yeti, aka the Abominable Snowman, and his mysterious footprints left in the snow.
Over 50 years later, I visited Nepal on holiday and although I kept my eyes peeled, I never did see any Yeti footprints in Kathmandu. Perhaps August wasn’t the best month to go?
I remember Ken (Deacon?) the softly-spoken Librarian who always seemed to be working there during my childhood and long after. I still have family living in Benfleet and as I drive past the site of the Old Library I can remember him briskly walking with a military-like gait along the High Road in his trilby, buttoned up gabardine mackintosh and shiny shoes. He was always tightly clutching a brown leather, zipped flat document case under his arm, tightly gripped against his body with his elbow. He was always helpful and seemed like a nice man.
I loved this little library in the early 80s. I would park my bmx around the left hand side, no lock, and spend ages looking for choose your own adventure books.
I do remember the story about the library policeman, if you lost a book!!
Happy memories.
Add a comment about this page