The original Reading Institution, opened in 1851, was one half of a double fronted cottage (pictured) which stood at the eastern end of Ovingham Road facing the Schoolhouse (what is now Charlie's Corner garden). The ground floor room to the left of the front door was used for bagatelle and the room above as the reading room. It's thought that the right-hand side of the cottage was used by a Caretaker.
The first mention of a new Institute is in the Hexham Courant in 1892 where there was a report of fund-raising and a proposal to build a new Reading and Recreation room. The Deed of Conveyance (Indenture) for the land to build the Institute was signed on 1 August 1894 and plans were approved by the local authority in September 1894.
Building work commenced in January 1895 and the building was almost complete when the Hexham Courant reported in April 1896 that the Institute had a large hall for public lectures, bazaars, meetings, tea parties and balls, while the reading room had the desired north light. A billiards table was installed and the Institute had two reclining baths with hot and cold water, anticipating a steady revenue.
On 11 April 1896 Sir JWH Riddell opened the Institute, with the reading room opened by Dr Philip Brown on 22 September 1896. The building had cost £2,600 to build.
In October 1920, the land adjacent to the Institute was sold to the Institute trustees for £342.30 and is now the present garden.
There have been numerous improvements in post-war years. In the eighties, fire safety was improved, the downstairs halls had folding doors installed, the stage moved to the current end of Munro Hall and the kitchen was enlarged and refurbished, costing £35,000. In 1997 after considerable fundraising efforts, the Institute raised £184,000 to build a south facing extension creating two small meeting rooms, new kitchen and toilets.
Looking to the future, the Institute is exploring possible refurbishment in some areas, a modern heating system and upgrading technology. We are celebrating our 130 year anniversary in 2026 and, with the support of the village and surrounding area, hope to continue as a thriving community asset for many years to come.
With thanks to Denis Peel (trustee) and the late Philip Brooks for the history of the Institute in their book 'Wylam Reading Institution and News Room: 145 years of change and development' dated November 1995.