Erdington Library

The Erdington Library is a building dating from the later 18th century, constructed of red brick with ashlar dressings and a slate and felt roof. It is of one and two storeys.

The building’s symmetrical south and west fronts feature a projecting central bay of ashlar on the principal front, facing Orphanage Road. A generous niche frames the doorway, flanked by banded Ionic pillars supporting an arched canopy with a large, triple keystone. Above this is a cartouche bearing the inscription "FREE / LIBRARY" in relief against walling of banded rustication. Four bays are placed on either side, grouped beneath a pedimental gable with a Diocletian window. The lateral bays of these groupings project slightly, with banded Ionic pilasters on either side of the windows, which have moulded stone surrounds with triple keystones to the central pair. The south front has a similar arrangement with seven bays and five windows to the centre, also with keystones. An entablature with a deep cornice and balustrade runs around both fronts. A recessed, blind bay was added to the far right of the south front in the late 20th century.

Internally, although some internal divisions and issue desks have been altered, the original plan is still legible and the building has adapted well without loss of character. The central area has a panelled ceiling and a top-lit space. Two Ionic columns with entasis are centrally placed, flanking the current issue desk. Skylights have been replaced by arched metal frames in the late 20th century. Original features retained include doors, door furniture, central heating radiators and fire hydrants, hopper windows, and moulded window surrounds.