Hulme Branch Free Library

THE HULME FREE LIBRARY – Yesterday the handsome new building forming the left wing of the Hulme Town Hall was opened to the public as the Hulme Branch of the Manchester Free Libraries. The erection has replaced the old inadequate premises situate in Stretford Road, about a stone’s throw from this new building. The latter corresponds with the right wing of the town hall in respect of the style of architecture, and both wings conform with the Town Hall façade. The right wing is used for the purpose of a vestry hall and overseers’ offices. The library building is entered from Stretford Road, through a vestibule. The floor is divided into two rooms, admirably adapted to the requirements of a library and reading room. The library room is 42 feet 9 inches by 29 feet 6 inches, and the dimensions of the news and reading room are 47 feet 6 inches by 42 feet 9 inches, and in height about 29 feet. The latter is well-lighted by ten large windows, newspaper stands are placed along the walls, and tables are provided in the centre of the room for readers of periodicals and other books. An additional privilege has been gained by the increased library accommodation; heretofore books were lent for home reading only, now they may be read in the newsroom. The library numbers from 10,000 to 11,000 volumes, which include 1,000 books newly added. The front portion of the building is three-storeyed. The two rooms above the library will be used for committee meetings, store purposes and lavatories. The new structure has been formed from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr Lynde, city surveyor, the clerk of works being Mr S Taylor. The comfort of readers in winter will be met by Messrs Haden and Son’s heating apparatus. [Manchester Guardian 16 June 1866 page 4].

HULME - Three sites are under consideration for the Hulme and Chorlton Public Park. The Hulme Free Library has been opened. The building, which has been designed by Mr. Lynde, the Manchester city surveyor, is in consonance with the town-hall, of which it forms apart, and is in the Italian style. It forms the right wing of the building, the left wing constituting the vestry-hall and overseer’s offices. The main entrance is in Stretford-road, and there is a side entrance in Clopton-street. The library is 42 ft. 9 in. by 29 ft. 6 in. It is of one story, and is] lighted partly from the roof. The reading-room, which is also one story, is 47 ft. 6 in. by 42 ft. 9 in., and 29 ft. high. It is lighted by ten large windows. There are upper rooms for the committee and for storage; and there are extensive cellars, which it is intended to let off. The heating and ventilating apparatus is by Messrs. Haden, of Trowbridge. The clerk of the works was Mr. Samuel Taylor. [Builder June 1866 page 473]

Reference     Manchester Guardian Saturday 14 May 1864 Page 6  - contracts
Reference    Manchester City News 16 June 1866 Page 2 Column 8 - opening
Reference    Manchester Guardian 16 June 1866 page 4 - opening
Reference    Builder 23 June 1866 Page 473