Public Library, Gilmour Street, Alexandria

The Public Library on Gilmour Street in Alexandria was designed by Robert Thomson and built between 1881 and 1884, with an extension added in 1927. This two-storey building features an asymmetrical, rectangular plan and is styled as a Greek institute, showcasing Greek temple detailing. It is constructed from pink sandstone ashlar and includes a base course and pilaster mullions.

The north elevation, which is the main front, has a three-bay asymmetrical design. The wide central bay contains a door on the left and a tripartite window on the right, both flanked by full-height temple fronts. The recessed porch has an aediculed shallow surround with Ionic pilasters and a triangular pediment topped with an acroterion. The inner door is a half-glazed wooden door, and there is an inscription in the frieze that matches the one in the right pediment. The right side features a tripartite window divided by pilasters. To the outer right is a tall pedimented hall with three tall windows, a triangular pediment, and an acroterion. This pediment bears an inscription stating, "This institute was erected by William Ewing Gilmour of Croftenga in memory of his uncle John Orr Ewing of Levenfield and presented to the inhabitants of the Vale of Leven," along with another inscription in the frieze that reads, "founded 28th November 1881." On the outer left, there is a two-storey pedimented block with a central window at ground level, an apron below, pilasters, and recesses at the window head, with a quadripartite window above, also featuring a pediment and acroterion.

The east elevation has full-height windows on the left and bipartite windows on the upper stage. The west elevation includes a pedimented door on the ground right, another pedimented door also on the ground right, and bipartite and tripartite windows to the left, with a later rendered block on the outer left.

The windows throughout the building are made of plate glass timber with hoppers, while the upper stage features plate glass timber sash and case windows. The roof is covered with grey slate and includes lead flashings.

Inside, the library boasts a coved plaster ceiling with decorative cornices and an oculus with a frieze. There is a wooden dado and wooden aedicules, along with a scrolled pedimented door. Above, there is an early 20th-century meeting house that is panelled and compartmentalised, featuring leaded windows.