AN historic hidden gem in Tavistock has leaped into the 21st century, making it appealing to people of all generations. Tavistock Subscription Library, founded in 1799, is one of the oldest libraries in the country, and now, thanks to its new secretary, has its very own website. There are more than 100 members of the library, which is situated in part of the Court Gate of the abbey — parts of which date back to Tavistock Abbey itself, built in 974AD. With books dating from the 18th century right to the present date, Simon Dell was also keen to re-invigorate membership of the library to allow all to appreciate the range of literature available. Simon said: 'When I became secretary last year I wanted a change of direction for the place and to bring it to the 21st century by creating a website whilst maintaining the tradition and dignity of an ancient library, and bringing young people to the life of the library by encouraging them to take part in a new initiative of the writing competitions. 'We always welcome new members — a couple of dozen members use it regularly and the Tavistock Writers' Group use it weekly for their meetings.' Tavistock Subscription Library holds several hundred books relating to local and regional history, and proves valuable to local researchers and scholars. Collection at the library includes books by E A Bray, the first occupier of the present vicarage and Tavistock's famous rector, a complete section of transcripts of the Devonshire Association, first edition books on Dartmoor, and books by local authors including Gerry Woodcock and Alex Mettler. Tavistock Subscription Library was founded in 1799 by four men: John Taylor, a 19-year-old engineer from Norwich who had come to Tavistock to manage a local copper and tin mine; John Cummins, of about the same age as Taylor, a bookseller; Edward Bray, the young Tavistock curate; and the Rev William Evans, an older man, a non-conformist minister who ran a local school. Initially the library was located in the upper floors of a bookshop, which it soon outgrew. A purpose-built library in the classical style was opened in 1822, nicknamed the Propylaeum. The Duke of Bedford, who owned most of Tavistock and the surrounding area — his family having been given the lands by King Henry VIII at the Dissolution of the Monasteries, — decided to demolish and rebuild the centre of Tavistock, and the Propylaeum, being in the way, was demolished. However, the Duke, in compensation, refurbished Court Gate, one of the old Abbey gates, as a purpose-built library and librarian's cottage. The library remains in one room of this building; however, the old library and cottage now house Tavistock Museum. Visit the website at tavistocksubscriptionlibrary.co.uk to read more on the history of the library, or to find out how to become a member.