Chorlton (and Ardwick) Free Library Rusholme Road Chorlton-on-Medlock

CORPORATION OF MANCHESTER – TO BUILDERS – Persons desirous of Tendering for the work to be done in the ERECTION of a FREE LIBRARY for the Chorlton District, may see the plans and specifications at my offices, Royal Insurance Buildings, King Street, Manchester from Monday the 15th to Wednesday the 24th instant, on which latter day sealed tenders endorsed “Tender for Chorlton Free Library are to be delivered to me at the above address. Quantities are to be obtained from Mr Taylor, surveyor, Brazennose Street Manchester, on deposit of one guinea which will be returned on receipt of tender. The Council do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. Alfred Waterhouse architect 8 New Cavendish Street, London. [Manchester Guardian 16 May 1865 page 1]

OPENING OF A FREE LIBRARY IN RUSHOLME, ROAD - On Saturday Evening the new branch of the Free Library in Rusholme Road, and intended for the inhabitants of Chorlton and Ardwick was formally opened bt the Mayor, W Bowker Esq. The building adjoins the Rusholme Road Congregational Schools, and when inaugurated it contained about 6,000 volumes. The rooms are spacious and lofty, and consist of a library, a reading room arranged with alcoves, a large lecture room, a committee room, and a librarian’s room. The design is neat and substantial, and the structure will be an ornament to that part of the town. The estimated cost is about £4,000. [Manchester Guardian Monday 8 October 1866 Page 5]

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 13 May 1865 Page 4 - contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 16 May 1865 page 1- contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian Monday 8 October 1866 Page 5 Column 5 - opening
Reference    W R Credland Manchester Free Libraries 1899 page