The library, which occupies a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on Angel Row, is one of the few remaining subscription libraries in the country. It houses nearly 50,000 books and has many fine reading rooms spread over three floors. It also has a beautiful walled garden – one of only two remaining in the city centre.

Melanie will provide an overview of the work of Bromley House Library and will share news about the repair project that the library is about to embark on. She will also talk about how the library managed a transition from a share-owner structure to charitable status as a membership organisation.

Prior to becoming director of Bromley House Library in June 2017, she spent six years as chief executive of Nottingham Women’s Centre. In 2018, she received the Nottingham Award for her work in the voluntary sector.

“Bromley House Library is one of Nottingham’s oldest literary institutions and a key part of Nottingham’s cultural landscape,” said Melanie. “Against a backdrop of library closures across the country, independent libraries like ours have seen a resurgence in popularity and have emerged with a clearer vision of what a library is, beyond a simple exchange of books. We are about to enter an exciting phase of redevelopment and I really look forward to giving members of NBC a glimpse of what is to come.”

Ian Roberts, president of Nottingham City Business Club said: “I have heard many people describe the Bromley House Library as ‘Nottingham’s hidden gem’. We are looking forward to hearing from Melanie about the facility and how the library has been transformed in to a flourishing members’ organisation.”