Heritage Open Day: Discover a tiny, exquisite parish library founded in the early 18th century, a forerunner of today's public libraries. Find out about its history, and the story of its remarkable founder, Andrew Cranston. Founded on 14 March 1701, the library is situated in a small chamber above the vestry in the parish church of St Mary Magdalene, Reigate, Surrey, where it has been since its foundation. Possibly the first public lending library in England, it contains works of literature, history, geography, science, classics and theology.