Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/170

146 than that while such a plan is cheap to work, it is noisy and unpleasant for readers who wish to study, and is decidedly unwholesome for the attendants, who are stationed for eight or more hours daily in the rooms.

One of the best of the branch libraries is that designed by Messrs. Cossins & Peacock, at Saltley, and opened in 1892. It is placed on a narrow site, and has an entrance at the corner, which gives admittance through a vestibule to the large reading-room. This is 82 feet by 32 feet, and has a carved roof of open timber-work 19 feet from floor to springing. The room is lighted on the front side by large mullioned windows, and the opposite side is broken up into arcades of similar shape and size, in which are placed the bookcases containing the lending library. The counter, which is 60 feet in length, runs down the room about 10 feet in front of the bookcases. There is a clock tower 10 feet square over the vestibule, with spire 70 feet in height. A notable feature of the façade is a series of panels in terra-cotta, forming part of a frieze over the windows. They were modelled by Mr. B. Creswick, and contain figures illustrating the principal trades pursued in the city. The cost of the building was about £4000.

The Derby Free Library and Museum was erected in 1879 from the plans of Mr. R. K. Freeman. The building is almost square, with its principal entrance in the centre of the main front. On the left of the entrance-hall are the ladies' reading-room and general news-room, and in the centre the lending