This small lending library honours one of the Park's most prominent supporters. Bernard Lester was a Headmaster at Halton Moor, Talbot and Moor Allerton Hall Schools between 1955 and 1974. He was also Master of Ceremonies at Roundhay Park's Children's Days (he was known apparently as “Bernie the Mike”!).

In 2005, Bernard's family contacted our (now late) Treasurer and family friend, Harry Hurst, suggesting that they would like to make a donation in order to create a lasting memorial to their father. After much discussion over the airways, it was decided to have something which combined Bernard's love of the Park, children's education and reading, - the idea for the 'Lester Library' was born.

Richard*, Ruth* and Elizabeth* donated £7500 to the Friends of Roundhay Park (FoRP), who commissioned the book-case/cupboard unit and chose 200+ books.

Situated in the Education Rooms (next to the Mansion as in photo above), the Library opened in January 2009 and is accessible to everyone. Through the week, school children visiting the Education Centre have use of copies of books, especially selected for their age-groups. At weekends, staffed by FoRP volunteers, it was open every Saturday from 2pm – 5pm in summer, 1pm – 4pm in winter but currently opening hours are suspended until 3rd April 2010.

The contents are wide-ranging, including aspects of Roundhay Park and parks in general, - there's a whole range of books on geology, flora/fauna, the natural world and a section of books about Leeds over the years. Many have beautiful photographs.

As a taster, we have:

•    'An Illustrated History of Roundhay Park' - from medieval hunting park to one of the country's finest municipal parks.
•    'Atkinson Grimshaw' a comprehensive study of the artist, “this painter of moonlight”, - the most borrowed book so far!
•    'The Illustrated History of Leeds' – a treasure-trove of information about the city and its people.
•    'Leeds Pals 1914-1918' (the 15th battalion The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)) and 'Passchendale 1917, story of The Fallen and Tyne Cot Cemetery' – both books recounting poignant histories and with links to Roundhay Park.
•    'Oakleaves' the series covering the history of Oakwood.
•    'The Children's Factfinder' – from a world of tiny creatures to monster animals, weather conditions and supernatural happenings.

Bring the family to browse or borrow!.

The setting-up of the Library is not a one-off venture – FoRP will maintain it and is keen to receive donations of suitably-themed books (new or second-hand) to add to the collection, ensuring it continues to have an appeal for all ages.

We welcome enquiries about staffing the Library, - please contact FoRP's Secretary via : messages@forp.co.uk

***

Dr Richard Lester is the founding Director of the Industrial Performance Centre at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ruth Lester is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon working in Birmingham (UK)
Elizabeth Jacobi (nee Lester) has now retired from working as an Inspector of Schools in Israel.