Garston Library

GARSTON (1908)   "This is one of the last of Shelmerdine's charming branch libraries and unmistakably shows the influence of the Arts and Crafts Movement.  It is symmetrical and has a big central gable with a window, and little half-timbered gablets left and right breaking through a low stooping roof.  Canted bays rise up through the eaves beneath the gablets.  There is another of these to each side elevation.  The walls are rendered except for the red ashlar centre, which breaks forward slightly.  The most striking motif is the battered buttresses at the corners and the corners of the ashlar projection.  Inside are three parallel spaces with segmental vaulted ceilings, separated by arcades.  The central space is taller with narrow galleries around it.  The beaten copper plaque by C. E. Thompson commemorating the opening is a lovely thing."

Reference           Pollard, "Lancashire: Liverpool and the South West" (2006)