Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/247

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LAMBETH PUBLIC LIBRARIES
223

while the irregularity of the site is masked by the bookcases in the former.

The news-room is 75 feet by 28, and its chief light is obtained from the roof. Ten newspaper reading stands are placed against the walls, and hold thirty papers. A double row of eleven tables are in the centre of the room, and seat ninety persons. On either side of the entrance-hall are two small rooms, one for ladies and the other for the librarian. The lending library is shelved for about 20,000 volumes, and can be extended by raising the roof and introducing another storey.

The cost of the building and the site was about £6000.

In Fig. 103 is given the plan of the North Lambeth Branch Library, built in 1894. It is erected upon an irregular corner site, with a frontage of only 34 feet, and a depth of 150. The building is one storey in height, except the front portion, which is three, and in which is placed a residence for the librarian. The large newspaper-room is at the back of the building. It is 65 feet deep, and has an average width of 60 feet. In it are nineteen reading stands, on which are placed sixty-five papers and periodicals. In the centre of the room are seven tables, which seat seventy-four persons. The room is divided by two rows of iron pillars into nave and aisles, and is lit by large windows of plate glass in the clerestory and on one side. The magazine-room is in the front of the building; it is 31 feet by 21 feet 6 inches, and seats fifty persons at four tables. The lending library occupies a space