Public Library, Handsworth Council House And Job Preparation Unit

SOHO ROAD 1. 5104 Handsworth B21 Public Library, Handsworth Council House and Job Preparation Unit SP 08 NW 6/43 II 2. 1878-9 by Alexander and Henman, as the Urban District Council Offices. Red brick and terracotta with stone dressings; slate roof. Mostly 2 storeys plus attic. To the left, the library part with a polygonal advanced bay surmounted by an octagonal glazed and louvred lantern with miniscule gablets, 4 bays of windows and a broad gabled bay with a large first floor tripartite window of 7 lights. The clock tower with entrance beneath a gable supporting an oriel window, machicolations, parapet and glazed and timbered clock stage has 2 bays of windows either side and, finally, on the right, there is another gabled bay. The windows all with mullions and transoms. Some pretty sculptural details.

Listing NGR: SP0479889438