First free municipal public library... On the 30th June 1849, the Salford Borough Council took a historic decision. Lark Hill Mansion was dedicated to the public as a free museum and library. Unfortunately, the old mansion had to be demolished and was eventually replaced by a new wing in 1938. The library, was the first free public library established by a municipal authority in the United Kingdom. By modern standards the library was small. The museum had various exhibits on display, casts of statues, natural history specimens and paintings. Space soon became a problem and in 1857 the south-wing was opened by HRH Prince Consort. The building is still used today as a museum and library. The library has a first class collection of local history material relating to Salford and the museum has been greatly expanded and includes an important Victorian art gallery. KH