1883 – Design For Free Library, Belfast

“We illustrate this week the principal elevation, fronting Royal Avenue, of the Belfast Free Public Library, as designed by Mr. Thomas R. Richards, architect, of 17 King Street, Cheapside, E.C., being one of the drawings submitted by him in the recent competition for the building. The original was hung in this year’s Royal Academy Exhibition. The whole of the ground-floor is devoted to the libraries and reading-rooms, with the necessary offices, no space being wasted in useless passages and corridors. The reading-room measures 52 feet by 36 feet: on the right a large hall and staircase leading to extensive picture galleries — a feature in addition to the libraries to be provided, and it is located and kept distinct on first floor. On the right of reading-room is the lending library, 37 feet 3 inches by 29 feet 6 inches; ladies’ reading-room, 28 feet by 25 feet; and committee-room, the latter looking out on front. On the left is the general library, 50 feet by 34 feet 3 inches; and adjoining, looking out on front, the select library and librarian’s room. The centre room is open to the roof and has galleries round all its sides, and is covered with a glazed, semicircular iron hipped roof, 58 feet from floor in centre; the rooms at sides are 20 feet 6 inches high, divided from central hall by glazed screens, and extending to the streets bounding sides of site, and a thorough view is obtained from Kent Street to Little Donegall Street. The first floor contains two large picture galleries, 62 feet 6 inches by 29 feet, and 50 feet by 33 feet 6 inches. The galleries are 23 feet in height to soffit of ceiling, and are added to by the large lantern lights provided. No windows are placed in these walls. The picture galleries have galleries of communication at ends, so that a complete circuit can be made. The building is designed for carrying out in stone, the construction, as far as possible, being of a fire-resisting character.” The Architect, December 13 1884.