Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/221

Rh the first floor. The remainder of the area forms part of the librarian's residence. In the basement is placed a large book-store, covering the whole area under the lending library, and rooms for book-binding, staff, and caretaker.

Although the building was only erected in 1890, experience has shown that it is already too small for the dense population entitled to use it. The library commissioners in purchasing the site were wise enough to buy one larger than they actually needed at first, and an area almost as large as that covered by the present building was left for future additions. Plans are now being prepared for an extension on the ground floor. It is proposed to build at the back of the lending library an annexe 48 feet by 26 feet, and to take away the return of the counter on the left of the entrance shown in Fig. 88, and continue it down to the back wall of the present building, where the first double bookcase is now placed. This will give double the existing space for the public in front of the counter, and shelf room for about 25,000 extra volumes in the lending library.

The public library at Bermondsey was designed by Mr. John Johnson, and was opened in 1891. The principal entrance is placed in the centre of the building. On the right is a newspaper reading-room, 41 feet by 33 feet, and at the back of the building, immediately opposite the entrance, is the lending library, 41 feet square, with shelf accommodation for about 25,000.

The reference library is upon the first floor, and