Cleckheaton Library

Cleckheaton Library is a public library built between 1929 and 1930, with an extension added in 1973. It was designed by J G Castle and donated by Sir John and Lady Mowat. The building features coursed rough-faced stone with ashlar dressings and slate roofs. It has a chamfered plinth, a moulded eaves band, and a parapet with ashlar coping. The library is a single storey structure with a main north front that has nine windows arranged in a pattern of 2:1:3:1:2.

A central projecting portico is supported by square Doric columns and two circular columns in-antis, which hold up an entablature with a parapet and a central panel. The central inner doorway has a moulded ashlar surround and double glazed doors, flanked by single windows with ashlar surrounds and Art Deco style glass. Recesses on either side have lower projections, each with a single similar window and ashlar parapets. The wings on either side each contain two windows in moulded ashlar surrounds with cross casements and margin light glazing. The right return has five similar windows, while the left return has four similar windows and two smaller similar windows. The rear addition from 1973 is not of special interest.

Inside, the library retains a complete domed entrance hall with original panelling, doors, windows, flooring, plasterwork, and a bronze memorial roundel by Frank Dobson dedicated to Sir John Gunn Mowat. A part-glazed wooden screen separates the hall from the main library, which features a larger glazed dome, original panelling, bookcases, and some fireplaces. Most of the original fixtures are still present, including a bronze panel inscribed: "THIS LIBRARY WAS PRESENTED TO THE INHABITANTS OF SPENBOROUGH BY MR AND MRS JOHN G MOWAT AND FAMILY. OPENED BY MRS MOWAT ON THE 14TH NOVEMBER 1930." The head librarian's office retains oak panelling, doors, and a fireplace. The library fittings are made of oak and were crafted by Christopher Pratt & Sons Ltd of Bradford.