Cathays Library

Cathays Library is a Grade II* listed library building in Cathays, Cardiff, Wales. It is one of the 2,500 Carnegie libraries, financed by the American businessman Andrew Carnegie.

Cathays Library
Cathays Library in 2007
Cathays Library is located in Cardiff
Cathays Library
Location within Cardiff
General information
Architectural styleArts & Crafts
Town or cityCardiff
CountryWales
Coordinates51.4974°N 3.1821°W / 51.4974; -3.1821
Completed1907
Design and construction
Architect(s)Speir & Bevan

Location

The library is situated on the northern edge of Cathays at the junction of Crwys Road, Whitchurch Road and Fairoak Road, opposite Gladstone Primary School.[1] It backs onto Cathays Cemetery.

History

Preceding the current library was a Cathays Branch Reading Room, which opened in May 1890. It initially contained 300 books and had an assistant librarian.[2]

The current library was constructed between 1906–1907, though the panel above the main door is inscribed 1906.[3] The building is in an Arts & Crafts Gothic style, designed by Cardiff architects Speir & Bevan.[3] It has a generous single storey in a 'butterfly' plan, with two main wings parallel to Whitchurch Road and Fairoak Road. The front gable ends have large windows each divided into four lights. The building's central entrance section has a narrow octagonal tower above it, with a leaded spire.[3]

It was designated in 1975 as a Grade II* listed building, as "an especially accomplished and well-preserved Arts and Crafts design" with a "pioneering butterfly plan".[3]

At various points in the 21st century, Cathays Library has been threatened with closure, either due to reviews of the library services by Cardiff Council or claims of excessive repair costs. In 2003, 1000 people signed a petition to keep the library open.[1] In autumn 2009, the library closed for repairs and refurbishment. £1 million was spent (including £300,000 for the Welsh Government) to remove dry rot and damp rot, clean the exterior and bring the interior up to modern standards. It reopened in June 2010.[4][5]

Facilities

Following the library's reopening in 2010, the original reception desk was kept but with new modern furniture including moveable 'designer' shelving. The west wing of the building was reopened, having previously been closed following an arson attack. The library had 15 public computers and a small meeting room for up to 10 people. The building also has public toilets which had been restored.[4]

The library holds Cardiff's heritage and local studies collection. It also hosts history activities and community events. It is closed on Fridays and Sundays.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Fight to save city libraries". BBC News. 19 March 2003. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  2. "The Branch Library Movement At Cardiff - Opening Of A Reference Library At Cathays". Western Mail. 1 May 1890. Retrieved 19 March 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. "Cathays Library". BritishListedBuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  4. Hannah Waldram (24 June 2010). "Cathays library restored to community". theguardian.com. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  5. David James (25 June 2010). "Cathays Library reopens after £1m update". Wales Online. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  6. "Cathays Branch and Heritage Library : Cardiff Hubs". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
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