Latitude: 52.5203 / 52°31'13"N
Longitude: -1.9977 / 1°59'51"W
OS Eastings: 400251
OS Northings: 291382
OS Grid: SP002913
Mapcode National: GBR 29T.TF
Mapcode Global: VH9YN.BX79
Plus Code: 9C4WG2C2+4W
Entry Name: Central Public Library
Listing Date: 29 September 1987
Grade: II
Source: Historic England
Source ID: 1216521
English Heritage Legacy ID: 219314
Also known as: Central Library, West Bromwich
West Bromwich Central Library
ID on this website: 101216521
Location: West Bromwich, Sandwell, West Midlands, B70
County: Sandwell
Electoral Ward/Division: West Bromwich Central
Parish: Non Civil Parish
Built-Up Area: West Bromwich
Traditional County: Staffordshire
Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): West Midlands
Church of England Parish: West Bromwich St Andrew
Church of England Diocese: Lichfield
Tagged with: Public library Carnegie library
SANDWELL MB HIGH STREET (south-west side)
SP 0091 SW
14/103 Central Public Library
29.9.87
GV II
Public library. 1907. By Stephen J Holliday of West Bromwich. Red brick
with yellow terra cotta dressings. Main facade a symmetrical composition of
two storeys and five bays with giant engaged fluted Ionic columns on pedestals.
The central bay has an open pediment supported on outer antae and inner free-
standing columns. The ground floor windows have round heads with keystones.
The timber glazing bars incorporate Venetian lower lights with a central pedi-
ment. The first floor windows are of three lights separated by brick mullions,
except for the central one. This is of two round-headed lights under a round
arch within the pediment. The doorway is approached by stone steps and has a
round arch with glazing. Interior: open-well stair in central hallway has
mosaic and tile decoration which includes inscription: "This building is the
gift of Mr Andrew Carnegie to the Borough". (VCH, 72). Murals in stairwell and lending library, of c.1913-24, the latter illustrating the scenes from The Canterbury Tales. Some repartitioning of the library when it was re-organised in 1937-8, and these partitions and some shelving survives.
Listing NGR: SP0025191382
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