This week we have come across a little gem in our archives. A picture of the library at Busby’s, the great Bradford department store, taken in 1953.

Looking at the picture, it shows just how the department store prided itself on its welcome, with flowers on the table and a baby’s high chair.

But it wasn’t only major stores that had libraries. Outside the city centre small shops stocked a frequently-changed stock of books which could be borrowed for something like two pence (1p) a week.

In the days when television was a rarity, a book was a friend, companion and entertainment.

● Did you ever visit Busby’s library? We’d love to hear from you.

e-mail: odele.ayres@nqyne.co.uk