Mitcham Library

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Mitcham Library is the public library in Mitcham, England. It was built in 1933 on land donated by a local builder, Mr Joseph Owen. In April 1932 he donated £4,025 towards its construction.

The original building was 60 feet wide and 66 feet long, and was built on the London Road in Mitcham, opposite the Holborn Schools. The reference library itself was 36 feet by 25 feet, and the lending library 66 by 25 feet. Multi-coloured brick with stone facings was used throughout. Over the main entrance are the words, "Mitcham Public Library", neatly carved in the stonework, with stone cornice. Three steps lead to the approach, and a pillar is placed on either side of the entrance. The doors of the library are of Austrian oak. On the left hand side of the vestibule was the newspaper room, 20 feet by 17 feet.

The initial stock of the library consisted of: lending department, 10,000 volumes costing £2,250; reference department, 1,500 volumes costing £750; junior department, 1,000 volumes costing £200.

[edit] References

  • Local newspaper, the Mitcham News and Mercury, 21 April 1933.