Dewsbury Library

Dewsbury Library is a public library built between 1894 and 1896, with alterations made in 1931 and 1967. It was designed by G E T Lawrence and constructed from rock-faced stone with ashlar dressings. The building features hipped slate roofs topped with a single octagonal cupola and has a chamfered ashlar plinth.

The main north-west front is two storeys high and has an off-centre doorway with a moulded ashlar door surround, which is topped with an open segmental pediment inscribed with "FREE LIBRARY" and another small pediment above. Flanking the entrance are two small windows, and to the left, there are three large round-headed windows set in moulded ashlar surrounds with raised pilasters between them. Above these windows are four small central windows, flanked by large curved gables, each featuring four-light mullion and transom windows topped with flat moulded hoods and ornate crests. To the right of the entrance, there is a single door and a small circular turret with a blind round window and a carved panel band above. To the left, two tall cross casement windows are separated by paired pilasters, and above them are two round-headed windows in moulded ashlar surrounds, each topped with a pediment and a prominent finial.

The north-east front has an irregular facade with two bays to the left that resemble the main front. The rear section of the building is three storeys high with plain and irregular glazing.

Inside, the library retains some original features, including glazed tiling, panelling, and moulded plaster ceilings. There is also a large children's mural designed in 1931 by Herbert Wood.