Carnegie Library And Forecourt Railings

The Carnegie Library, built in 1908 by T.F. Pennington, is a public library located on Stricklandgate in Kendal. The building features rough-dressed limestone blocks on a plinth, with sandstone used for the central bay and various detailing elements, including the main windows, which have lintel and sill bands, a dentilled cornice, and a corniced parapet. The roof is hipped and covered with graduated slate, with a corniced stone chimney at the south end and a polychrome octagonal louvred vent at the north end.

The library is symmetrical, comprising a single tall storey with an attic and cellar, and it has seven bays. The central bay is designed in a giant order, featuring an open segmental pediment supported by unfluted Ionic columns. Splayed stone steps lead up to plank double doors set within a pedimented doorcase, which is topped by a panel inscribed with "CARNEGIE LIBRARY" in raised sans-serif lettering. Above this, there is an ornate foliate surround framing a large oculus. Flanking the central bay are three tall, square-leaded casements in pedimented architraves, and there are three segmental-headed cellar windows on either side of the steps. The forecourt is enclosed by ornate wrought-iron railings that also serve as handrails for the steps.