Macclesfield Public Library

Macclesfield Public Library is a library built between 1874 and 1876 by James Stevens of Macclesfield. It was altered and refurbished around 1950. The building features uncoursed and squared freestone with steep Welsh slate roofs. Its complex plan includes two parallel ranges that form semi-octagons on the Park Green elevation, linked by a canted porch. The current entrance is on Park Lane, but original doorways remain as windows in the porch, which is accessed by steps that have since been removed.

The exterior showcases banded polished granite shafts and polychrome stonework at the Gothick entrance arch, set within a steep triangular gable that has busts at its apex. The left-hand range is top-lit and features paired lancet windows beneath the gable, with a rose window above. The coped gable is supported by corbels. The left side of the wing has similar lancet lights with a transom. The right-hand block includes a triple lancet window with a transom and a decorative feature at the splayed angle, where a central buttress supports a projecting panel. Shafts above the panel hold an arch inscribed with 'Macclesfield Free Library 1876' alongside a coat of arms. The parapet above is supported by corbel beasts' heads and topped with a conical spirelet.

The return elevation facing Park Lane has two triple lancets with corbelled dormer gables above. The present entrance, inserted around 1850, was cut through a former triple window. A simpler wing extends beyond, featuring paired and single-light sash windows. Inside, although the layout has been modified, the original roof structure is still visible, showcasing heavy moulded timber hammer beam trusses with cast-iron supporting brackets.