Cornmill Square Library, Lawyer's Brae, Galashiels

Hay and Henderson, dated 1873 and extended 1889; additions of 1913 and 1932; later internal alterations by Frank White 1965-7. 3-storey, 3-bay, rectangular-plan gothic style purpose-built library. Advanced central crowstepped gabled bay with decorative ball finials; later semi-circular keystone arched doorway with imposts framed by corniced entablature on half fluted ionic columns raised on plinths; corbel bracketed balcony to 2nd floor with Venetian window inscribed 'Free Library 1873'. Squared 2-storey crenellated stair window to SE; later 2-storey canted crennellated window to NW with 1913 circular date stone in crowstepped gable above. Smooth dressed ashlar with chamfered arises to openings; coursed whin rubble with stugged sandstone margins to 1889 extension. 1st floor string course stepped to side elevations; stone bracketed eaves course; crenellated wallhead to NW.

Predominantly 4-pane timber sash and case windows; steep pitched slate roofs, large rooflights and triangular slated ventilators; chamfered corniced ashlar end stacks. Box section cast-iron gutters, square hoppers and downpipes recessed into string course.

BOUNDARY WALLS AND RAILINGS: Stone boundary walls to N, W and S. Cast iron railings.

INTERIOR: offices off central corridor; wide 1930s staircase with horizontally styled painted metal balustrade leading to open access open plan reading room filling upper floor. Jacobean style arched braced corbelled panelled wooden ceiling with pendants and rooflights between trusses. Decorative cast-iron balcony frieze to original mezzanine over reading room; additional 1960s mezzanine. The division between 1874 and 1889 is evident in the roof structure. Glazed 4-panel doors. Edwardian panelling and plasterwork to ground floors rooms to N.