Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, Glasgow

Hillhead Library, located at 348 Byres Road in Glasgow, was designed by Robert Rogerson and Philip Spence in collaboration with the Glasgow Corporation Planning Department and completed in 1972. This large, purpose-built public library features two storeys and ten bays, with a rectangular plan that includes an angled section at the rear, making it a prominent structure on Byres Road.

The library is constructed with a reinforced concrete frame. The main facade showcases tall, narrow vertical windows separated by pre-cast concrete pilasters. Above the entrance, there is a striking large decorative concrete cantilevered canopy adorned with abstract cubist motifs. The roof consists of reinforced concrete slabs made from grey Creetown granite, and the windows are finished in bronze.

Inside, the library includes a spacious open double-height circulation area, with open library spaces at the front and offices located at the rear. Flanking the reception area are two open circular staircases that lead to the first floor, which features a mezzanine designed as a reading space. The interior displays exposed supporting circular columns with fluted concrete shuttering. The custom bookshelves are made of Belford rosewood veneer with makore wood facings. At the front of the first floor, there is a panelled project/exhibition room and a public hall/lecture theatre. The building also includes a large entrance area with lift access, basement storage, workrooms, offices, and a plant room, with services located in the angled section at the rear.