Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/183

Rh fourth from the bottom being at the level of George IV. Bridge. The basement, on the level of the Cowgate, was occupied by the boilers, engines, and dynamos for supplying the electric light, but the noise and vibration caused by the machinery was found to be a nuisance, and it has recently been resolved to purchase the light from the corporation and use the rooms for book storage and for the files of newspapers and magazines.

The news-room, which is on the floor immediately above this, but below the level of George IV. Bridge, is reached from the latter by a wide and easy stair. The room is in the form of a Greek cross, its greatest length being 90 feet, and its breadth 72 feet. It is well lighted from four sides by large mullioned and transomed windows. Eight massive Ionic columns support the panelled ceiling, while the walls to a height of 8 feet are lined with specially designed Faience and decorated tiles. Provision is made for displaying fifty daily newspapers on stands at right angles to the walls, and the weekly papers and magazines are placed on tables in the centre of the room, at which 132 readers can be accommodated. Entering from the news-room is a juveniles' library, with a stock of 7000 volumes. Tables of similar design and construction to those used in the news-room are provided for the readers in this department.

The lending library (Fig. 75), on the level of George IV. Bridge, is of the same form, and lighted in the same manner, as the news-room.