In the autumn and winter of 2009/10 book conservator and paper restoration specialist Susan Wood spent time at North Lincolnshire Central Library. Sue was a last minute stand-in for Richard Reeve, who was unable to attend.
Sue is an independent conservator who is based near Matlock in Derbyshire. People from Scunthorpe and the surrounding areas flocked to see her, bringing many different, old and fascinating items. Sue saw family Bibles in all shapes and sizes, some almost too heavy to lift. Many contained family details going back several generations.
There were a number of volumes of local interest. These included a dictionary of Lincolnshire dialect words and a volume of the Visitation by the heralds to the houses of Lincolnshire.
One of the most interesting items brought to Sue for restoration was a children's pop-up book from the early part of the 20th Century. Some of the pop-ups had moving parts that were still working, and all were beautifully coloured.
One customer said:
"I've been wanting to have my family Bible restored for years, but I never knew where to take it". Another said: "I used to read this book every day until it started coming to pieces. I'm looking forward to being able to read it again."
For more photos of the visits see our photo album.