Rastrick Library

The Rastricks Library was built in 1912. It is constructed of narrowly coursed pale grey stone with ashlar dressings and a grey slate roof, and is mainly a single-storey building. Steps lead to a central arched entrance with panelled wooden double doors. Above the entrance is a decorated gable containing a carved Yorkshire rose and the words PUBLIC LIBRARY, with a heraldic carving at the apex, and a keystone with the date "1912". The front is symmetrical, with three windows on each side, featuring original glazing bars of four lights over three, incorporating a round-arched central light. Each end has a forward-facing gable with a three-light first-floor window and a heraldic carving at the apex. The side elevations have two matching windows, and one smaller window. At the rear, the ground slopes steeply, and a lower-storey addition, attached to but separate from the library, is present.

The interior has an entrance lobby leading to a wood and glass screen with double doors. Decorative woodwork is found throughout, including curved glazing bars, a Yorkshire rose on a shield, and engraved glass incorporating the words PUBLIC LIBRARY. An internal lobby features a coat of arms with surrounding foliage, which is the reverse of the Yorkshire rose design. A further wood and glass screen, with "ENQUIRY" engraved in the glass and a clock above, provides entry and exit points, with access to side rooms. The library counter is centrally located within the main room, behind the entrance screen. The central room features windows on three sides and vaulted roof lights. There are rooms to either side at the front, screened off with wood and glass, accessible from the main room, although formerly entered from the lobby. Some later wooden screening is in the left-hand room. A further side room is located to the rear left, and non-public rooms are to the right. An inner panelled door, with engraved glass reading LIBRARIAN’S ROOM, provides access, along with a lavatory featuring original tiles and brass door furniture. Original green tiles cover the lower half of the walls throughout, and radiators are present.

The land for the library was donated by John William Clay, and the building was funded by Alderman William Smith. Gardens, including a sunken garden, are situated to the front.