Edna was 14, and in Swansea High School for girls when the new Oystermouth Library was opened in 1935. It made such a difference to have so many books available, when they had been, for them, a very rare commodity.

        Prior to the opening of the library, books were very difficult to come by, if you had a very limited income. It was a time of great depression; few people in Mumbles were in a position to spend money on books. Even though there were a few private lending libraries in the village, they were not for the benefit of children.

        All the family of eight children began their education in what was known in Mumbles as 'The Board School' (The Council School). The alternative school was 'The Church School' - now demolished.

They were taught well in the Board School and were all avid readers and good at spelling.

       Edna continued, 'When my sister Doreen and I were at the Board School, before the library existed, we always called into All Saints' Church on our way home from school. The big attraction was the Children's Corner, which had a small library of books considered suitable for children. We would choose a book, settle down and read for a while. We would put a marker into the book at the page we had reached, so that we could continue the story the next day - serialisation at its best!

       When we arrived home, we just said that we had been to church.'

When the library opened, the younger siblings were always anxious to get to the books - although children's books in those days were certainly not as attractive as those that children are fortunate enough to have today.

      On Saturday mornings, to their mother's relief and their father's pleasure, they would be waiting outside (with the youngest in a pram) for the library to open. Mr. Morgan, the kind librarian always put a table against the wall for the Harris family, so that they could all be together.

        When lunchtime arrived, he would come over to the table and say 'Time for you to go home to dinner now.' They tidied all the books, chose what they would borrow, and went home, well satisfied with their pleasant morning.

        Saturday afternoon was also greatly enjoyed with a trip to the Regent Cinema, or as they usually called it, 'The New Cinema.' at 'tuppence' a show.