Hornby Library Picton Reading Room

SJ3490 NE WILLIAM BROWN STREET L1

49/1357 Picton Reading Room and Hornby 28.6.52 Library.

G.V. II*

Reading Room and Library. 1875-9 by Cornelius Sherlock. Hornby Library by Shelmerdine, 1906. Stone. Semi-circular front with rusticated wall surface with small niches and statues. Entrance with architraves, consoles and cornice. The whole raised on a base, and surrounded by a peristyle of fluted Corinthian columns with enriched frieze, cornice and balustrade. Domed rotunda roof. Double stair and balustraded wall enclosing courtyard with iron lampstands. Interior of reading room has walls lined with shelves, with 2 galleries and projecting bookcases. Iron spiral stairs railings and light fittings. Central wooden desk with lamp. Coffered saucer dome with top light. Hornby library: Main hall of 5 bays with Ionic colonnades. Balustraded balcony, swept round, ends on Doric columns, with cross arches. Entablature projects over colonnade with Diocletian windows above. In corridor outside, bronze plaque commemorating opening. The reading room is named after Sir James Allanson Picton, first chairman of the Liverpool Libraries Committee.

Listing NGR: SJ3493490781