Image Michael Jeffs
This page is one of several pages which are based on articles in our book entitled Royal Leamington Spa, A History in 100 Buildings which was published in 2018 and is no longer in print.
This is a branch library designed by Henry Fedeski, F.R.I.B.A., Dip.T.P.,A.M.T.P.I of the Fedeski and Rayner Architectural practice, in the style of the Festival of Britain. It was built in 1959-60 by George Wimpey and Co. There was a proposal to build in 1953 as the adjacent local residential estate was expanding; however, Government loan sanctions delayed construction until 1959. The same architect was responsible for the adjacent Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady, built later.
The two-storey building was set out with the ground floor devoted to the library service with two flats over, one intended for use by the Librarian. The building was formally opened on 22nd July 1960, remaining as built until the 1970’s, when the ground floor was extended to the west to provide more shelf space for the adult lending library. In addition, an office extension to the rear of the building was constructed. These works were carried under the supervision of James C E Tainsh, the then County Architect. The flats are now used as offices.
The brick and concrete construction is contained within aluminium frames with full height glazing at ground level. There are coloured aggregate panels over breezeblock, with end walls of dressed Hornton stone. The gable roof is copper clad. Historic England have determined a Grade II status on this building as being one of the best examples of public libraries built in the 20th century.
Peter Coulls, 2018