Branch Library and Reading Room, Regent Road, Salford. (Competition)

Built on a site at the corner of Regent Road and Henrietta Street. Unusually, Salford Libraries Committee gave an open invitation to architects, advertising in the Manchester Guardian in April 1872: 

BOROUGH OF SALFORD - BRANCH LIBRARY FOR REGENT ROAD - TO ARCHITECTS AND OTHERS The Museums and Library Committee are desirous of receiving DESIGNS and PLANS for a BUILDING suitable for a Branch Library, to comprise a large reading room, library room to hold 10,000 volumes, a suite of dwelling apartments for a librarian and a large room available for public purposes, the cost not to exceed £2,500. A plan of the site and other particulars may be obtained by application to Mr Plant, chief librarian, Peel Park. Plans must be sent in on or before May 11th, addressed to the Chairman of the Museum and Libraries Committee, Peel Park, Salford. - By order EDWIN ANDREW, Town Clerk, Town Hall, Salford. 10 April 1872. [ Manchester Guardian 13 April 1872. Page 5 - Contracts].

Two entries were selected, between which a ballot was taken. By a majority of seven to six the one with the motto “Regent” was selected. “Regent,” Henry Lord, St Mary’s Gate, Manchester. Second place to Royle and Bennett of Manchester.

Reference    Manchester Guardian 13 April 1872. Page 5 - Contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 6 June 1872 page 6 – competition results