Lending Library

The Lending Library, built in 1913, is a Grade II listed building located on Hill Street. This three-storey mansion, which also has a cellar, is designed in the Bankers' Georgian style and resembles Nos 46 and 64 Fore Street. Originally the headquarters of Usher's Brewery, it later served as Council Offices. The building is constructed of brick with a rustic stone basement and features stone dressings.

Architectural highlights include a second-floor cill band, a modillion cornice, and a balustrade. The structure has two bays that are set back from the main four-bay section. The entrance features a full-height bow with a rusticated Ionic doorcase and a segmental hood. The rusticated doorway has quadrant recessed jambs and a semi-circular overlight. Above the entrance is a tripartite window with rusticated columns supporting a pedimented centre light, while a similar tripartite window on the second floor has a Gibbs surround. The second floor has casement windows with eared architraves, and the first and ground floors feature Gibbs surrounds, with the first floor having segmental hoods and the ground floor a pedimented design.