A History of the Londonderry Literary Institute, Seaham Harbour

This historic record describes the story of the Londonderry Literary Institute that begins with an idea by forward thinking philanthropists in the reading room of the original Mechanics Institute on North Terrace. The building grew from a single focused objective to establish a centre for learning to become a building of extensive usefulness to dozens of societies, associations and inhabitants within the town. Since 1855 many people have walked through the large double doors of the Institute into the Library or Main Hall and then walked out, better educated and showing better judgement and integrity, because of the knowledge they have acquired within its walls. Talented and eminent men and women in every profession have shared their knowledge with the Institute members and many individuals have used the opportunities the Institute has offered to improve their career and the lifestyle of their families.