Warley Branch Library

Warley Branch Library is a library built in 1937 by the Smethwick Borough Engineer Roland Fletcher and architect Chester Button. The building features a U-shaped plan with a single-storey oval section for the Adult Lending Library that projects forward from a two-storey curved block, which includes a stair tower at the rear. The exterior is constructed in monk bond with stack bonding at the plinth and has a flat concrete roof, showcasing a Moderne style.

The single-storey section has bevelled concrete strings and stepped brick edges surrounding horizontal strips of steel casement windows. Above these windows are five carved relief panels that symbolize the Arts and Sciences. The two-storey block features a stack-bonded course below the parapet, with a regular rhythm of projecting bricks. Above the single-storey projection, there is a similar horizontal strip with two steel casements set into the concave face. The blank elevation facing Thimblemill Road includes an ovoid flat hood over the main entrance, with stepped brickwork on the sides leading to a pair of double-leaf doors that have a glazed central panel. The date 1937 is incorporated into a waved decoration of wrought ironwork above the door. On the reverse elevation facing Beakes Road, there are two horizontal strips, each with three casement windows. The stair tower at the rear rises above the parapet and features a diagonally-set vertical window. The building also includes brass and wrought-iron door and window furniture.

Inside, the library has plaster cornicing and stylised capitals on the columns supporting the ceiling. There is a fan-shaped panel over the counter in the Adult Lending Library, with coloured glass outer panels. The counter faces the Junior Library at the rear, and similar cornicing is found in the stair hall, which has a dogleg stair leading to the first-floor offices.

This library is a fine example of inter-war Moderne style, thoughtfully designed in consultation with librarian Mr. HP Marshall.