A substantial three storey premises constructed in 1878 by renowned architect Charles Lynam to serve as a public library. The property was given Grade II Listed status in 1991 and is described by the Listed Building Society as follows…
Library, purpose-built as library and Shakespeare Institute in 1878. By Charles Lynam. Brick with stone dressings, enriched with tiled panels and mosaics. 2-storeyed over a basement, 5 bays, stepped in plan. Red brick to basement, then white brick above, with rubbed red brick pilasters and architraves to windows in the advanced 3-bay section to the SW. 3 oculi, with tiled panels over, and mosaic depicting Shakespeare in the central panel. Stone band embellished with motifs, and continuous band of casement windows immediately below the overhanging eaves. Doorway in recessed bay to NE with terracotta entablature and mosaic panel over with the date and foundation details. Tiled panels continue round side elevations, and depict flowers in urns, now very faded. Gable end stacks.
The property is accessed by two principal entrances, via steps leading down to the lower ground floor with the main entrance to the ground floor approached via steps leading up from the pavement. Internally, there are two principal open plan areas to the lower ground and ground floor levels with a balcony area flanking the perimeter walls of the main hall overlooking the ground floor, together with a number of additional ancillary rooms throughout.
