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Library Centenary Photographs

This year the Central Library celebrates 100 years since it was opened in 1906. Here are some pictures of the library when it first opened and of developments since then.

library 1907

opening brochure
A programme and souvenir brochure was produced for the Official opening

newsroom 1906On the right-hand side of the entrance hall is placed the News Room, accommodating about 150 readers.

lending library 1906The original Lending Library was closed access. Borrowers had to request the book they wanted from library staff, who collected it from the book stacks.

magazine room

The Magazine room from the Ladies' Reading Room, with the Reference Library in the distance.

reference library 1961Reference Library after refurbishment in 1961.

garman ryan gallery 1974The Garman Ryan Art Gallery was on the first floor of the library for many years before the collection moved to the New Art Gallery.

lending library 1962The Lending Library in 1962

junior library 1962The Junior Library in the 1960s, when it was upstairs.

library building work

reference library 2004 lending library 2004 childrens library 2004

The refurbished Library in 2002