Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/203

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NEWCASTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
179

run around the whole library, and have a narrow counter in front of them. There are no side windows, the lighting being from skylights, and wall space is provided for a gallery when necessary. Tables are placed in the centre of the rooms, which will seat fifty readers. The semicircular room over part of the lending library is also used for a magazine room, and several smaller rooms are also provided

on a second storey in the bay and central part of the building. In the basement there is a large storeroom for unpacking boxes, &c., and the usual accommodation for heating and other purpose.

The building was lit by gas until 1884, when great damage was done by an outbreak of fire, caused through defective workmanship in the flues carrying away the products of combustion from the sun-burners. The electric light was afterwards installed,