Central Public Library

SANDWELL MB HIGH STREET (south-west side) SP 0091 SW

14/103 Central Public Library

29.9.87 GV II

Public library. 1907. By Stephen J Holliday of West Bromwich. Red brick with yellow terra cotta dressings. Main facade a symmetrical composition of two storeys and five bays with giant engaged fluted Ionic columns on pedestals. The central bay has an open pediment supported on outer antae and inner free- standing columns. The ground floor windows have round heads with keystones. The timber glazing bars incorporate Venetian lower lights with a central pedi- ment. The first floor windows are of three lights separated by brick mullions, except for the central one. This is of two round-headed lights under a round arch within the pediment. The doorway is approached by stone steps and has a round arch with glazing. Interior: open-well stair in central hallway has mosaic and tile decoration which includes inscription: "This building is the gift of Mr Andrew Carnegie to the Borough". (VCH, 72). Murals in stairwell and lending library, of c.1913-24, the latter illustrating the scenes from The Canterbury Tales. Some repartitioning of the library when it was re-organised in 1937-8, and these partitions and some shelving survives.

Listing NGR: SP0025191382