Public Library, Laing Street, Kirkwall

J Malcolm Baikie, 1908, with later alterations and additions. 2-storey, 3-bay, symmetrical, rectangular-plan Free Library with free-standing Doric columns supporting pedimented entrance porch; pedimented 1st floor windows, breaking eaves; pierced red clay ridge to piended roof; single storey, flat-roofed additions to right (E); single storey, flat-roofed linking bay to left (W). Squared and snecked rubble with polished sandstone ashlar dressings. Cornice course between floors; cill course to 1st floor. Stone mullions to windows. Long and short quoins.

S (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: pedimented entrance porch at ground in bay to centre; inscription, 'Free Library' to frieze; stone steps to 2-leaf, part-glazed timber-panelled doors; large rectangular fanlight, divided horizontally; bipartite window with triangular pediment at 1st floor above. Tripartite window at ground with curved pediment over bipartite window at 1st floor in each bay flanking. Door set to left in glazed addition to right (E). Glazed addition to left (W).

2-pane timber sash and case windows; fixed timber-framed windows to right extension; steel-framed glazing to left extension with top-hung upper lights. Grey slate roof; decorative pierced red clay ridges with terminating finials; decorative, bracketed cast-iron gutters forming eaves cornice; cast-iron, square-plan downpipes with decorative attachments.

INTERIOR: modern library with timber shelves lining walls; central timber staircase to 1st floor reference rooms.