Location: Queen Mary College Library 1980s, showing the changing layout, to provide more books and readers desks
From 1887 until 1901 the People’s Palace Library operated in the Octagon. Unfortunately due to lack of funds, the Library was forced to close in 1901. In 1909 the collections and furnishings were transferred to the Mile End Old Town Vestry Building for the public library, where they remained until 1920. However in 1921 the College gained the agreement of the Governors of the People’s Palace to take over the space and reequip it as a College Library, which was achieved with a grant allocated by the Draper’s Company.
So the College Library remained in the Octagon until the 1980s. As the College expanded, demand for additional books meant that additional space was required. Various alterations to the layout and space were therefore made including an extension in 1965 and further smaller extensions. But it became clear by the 1970s and 1980s that additional space was vital for the Library to meet the demands of the growing student body.