What is recorded here

This commemorative plaque records: James Mathews. Chief Librarian of Newport from 1875 to 1917. Author of 'Historic Newport', one of the few histories of the town, published in 1910 and reproduced by Newport Library in 1996. Previously closely involved in setting up the first children's library in England.

James Mathews served as Chief Librarian of Newport for four decades from 1875 to 1917 and was instrumental in establishing one of England's first children's libraries. He authored 'Historic Newport' in 1910, a significant historical account of the town that remains a valuable resource.

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