Architecture
The library has a reverse L-shaped plan. The front and side elevations are in red sandstone, and the rear extension is in brick. The main section, on Egerton Street, has two storeys and the extension is in red brick. The front elevation has four bays; the left hand bay projects forward and has the form of a tower. Its ground floor has an arched entrance, above which is a series of five lights containing stained glass and the words "Free Library and Reading Room". Above this is a carved stone frieze bearing the inscription "The Gift of Andrew Carnegie 1906". The upper storey has a six-light mullion and transom window containing stained glass with Mackintosh-style designs. At the summit is a parapet. In the ground floor of the other three bays are three four-light windows and in the upper floor is one eight-light window. Between them the frieze from the tower is continued and is carved with floral and foliage designs. These bays have a parapet similar to that on the tower. Inside the entrance lobby is a tiled mosaic floor, and the walls have dados of green and dark brown glazed tiles. Since it was built, there have been considerable changes to the interior but an ornate cast iron spiral staircase is still in situ.
Read more about this topic: Carnegie Library, Runcorn
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