Neath Library

Library in classical style, of rock faced Pennant sandstone from Dunvant with St Bees dark red sandstone dressings. Windows are plate glass sashes, renewed in part to the rear. Slate covered paired hipped roof. 2 Storey 3 bay façade to Victoria Gardens, central entrance bay recessed with single storey wing set back to left. Large tripartite windows with deep cills and cornices on brackets to both floors, ground floor and central first floor windows have central pediments, outer windows to first floor have semi-circular pediments. Wide ground floor doorway in central bay, with engaged Tuscan columns, entablature and balustraded parapet in line with a solid plat-band and string course to the outer bays. The words 'PUBLIC' and 'LIBRARY' in large lettering to the plat-band. Deep cornice and balustraded parapet above, with piers to each bay and ball finials to the outer corners. Single storey bay to left has a paired window with pediment and balustraded parapet above. Tripartite window with central pediment as before to ground floor of left return with 2 paired windows above, then to rear large semi circular headed stair window, and then three window range all renewed and with modern render wall finish. Elevation to right has a three paired window range with two paired windows below, that to left with central pediment and to right with cornice. Further 3 window range beyond. Rear elevation of 3 paired windows, blind central first floor bay and all set in modern render wall finish.

Altered in part to accommodate changes in the use of the library but retains central hall, main stair and key elements of original floor plan. To the ground floor the original vestibule behind main door has been removed, as have the window and the partitioning of the librarian's room at the base of the stair. To the first floor the central landing has a Baroque doorcase with broad bracket cornice and reeded pilasters to left, this originally lead to a lecture room at rear but this room is now partitioned to form a computer room. Later door created opposite on the landing to former separate lending library and reference rooms at front both now one space. Counter formerly around rear side of landing wall now relocated. Landing partition wall said to retain glazed framing behind later alterations.