LOOKING BACK

Library is an undersung local gem

- CHRIS ROBINSON

A RECENT invitation to visit Plymouth Proprietary Library led to a fascinating virtual step back in time, as I was delighted to wander around the latest incarnation of one of the oldest libraries in the country.

Since 2018, it has been situated in St Barnabas Terrace, in the Stoke region of Plymouth. It is next to Victoria Park and close to North Road station, and I am indebted to Darren Bevin for the following potted history of this undersung local gem.

The library was founded in 1810 Originally a new building was proposed that would comprise a hotel, theatre and ballroom plus a small subscription library. However, at a public meeting held on November 20, 1810, it was agreed that the focus would be on a purpose-built library situated in Cornwall Street, in the heart of Plymouth. It was designed by leading architect John Foulston and originally called the Plymouth Public Library.

During the 19th century, it was the region's foremost public library. The design was based on an Athenian temple; there were no windows, but the rooms were lit by glass cupolas in the roof. Inside, it was both spacious and handsome. The upper level was accessed by a flight of stairs hidden behind large columns, and it had a roof supported by four segmented arches. The building included a separate newsroom where the daily and weekly newspapers were situated.