Our history

A library in New York inspired the founding of the Guille-Allès Library.

Thomas Guille and Frederick Alles, two young Guernseymen were apprentices in that city in the 1830s. Their experience of using the apprentices’ library made them determined to provide something similar for Guernsey.

 

In 1882 the two men realised their dream when they purchased the Assembly Rooms in Market Street. Adjacent land was also acquired and the building much extended.

 

In November 1888 the new building, which included lecture rooms, an art gallery and a museum, was opened.

 

The institution flourished as a subscription library for many years and was a centre of cultural life for the island, even having its own choir and orchestra.

In the middle years of the twentieth century financial difficulties threatened the library’s future. However, its importance to the island was recognised and it was decided that it should be enabled to provide a free service to the whole community.

In 1979 the Council of the Library entered into a partnership with the States of Guernsey to achieve this:

 

• The Guille-Allès Trust provides the Library building.
• The Library houses and runs the Schools' Library Service for the Education Council.
• Annual grants from the States provide maintenance and running costs.
• The contents of the museum and art gallery are on indefinite loan to Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery.
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• A large amount of local history material has been passed to the Priaulx Library.

The building was completely refurbished thanks to a generous grant from Sir Charles and Lady Hayward.

 

In July 1981 the free public service was launched. Since then the range of services has greatly expanded.

Find out more by using the links at the top of this page.