Editing Reigate (section)

===Cranston Library===
The Cranston Library was opened in 1701 and is the oldest public lending library in England.<ref name=Douglas_2016_pp9-10>{{harvnb|Douglas|2016|pp=9-10}}</ref><ref name=Cranston_Welcome>{{cite web |url= https://cranstonlibraryreigate.com |title= Welcome |author= <!--Not stated--> |date= 1 July 2012 |publisher= Cranston Library |access-date= 24 September 2021 |archive-date= 27 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210227133950/https://cranstonlibraryreigate.com/ |url-status= live }}</ref> It was intended primarily for the use of the clergy of the Archdeaconry of Ewell, but its remit was expanded in 1708, to maintain a collection of books "for the use and perusal of the Freeholders, Vicar and Inhabitants" of Reigate Parish "and of the Gentlemen and Clergymen inhabiting parts thereunto adjacent."<ref>{{harvnb|Hooper|1979|p=63}}</ref> The library is named after its founder, Andrew Cranston who was the Vicar of Reigate from 1697 to 1708. It is housed on the first floor of the vestry of the Church of St Mary Magdalene. The collection includes over 2000 books, most of which date from the 17th and 18th centuries.<ref name=Douglas_2016_pp9-10/><ref name=Cranston_Welcome/>