Very few historic buildings were built as a direct consequence of legislation, however, in the mid 19th century the Public Libraries Act (1850) gave many towns and cities the opportunity of building public libraries through a halfpenny levy, giving the population free access to books, knowledge and information for the very first time.
One of the first free libraries to be built in England was this one in Lichfield. Designed by George Bidlake and Henry Lovatt (who are perhaps more well known for their many buildings in Wolverhampton), it was built between 1857-59 in the fashionable Renaissance or Italianate style. Victoria and Albert had commissioned their Isle of Wight retreat (Osborne House) in a similar style (1851), which suddenly made it extremely desirable to wealthy industrialists and their architects, as well as those who commissioned public buildings.
The ashlar plaque above the main door indicates the building was once both a Free Library and Museum, although it had ceased to be a museum by the 1960s and closed as a library in the 1990s. It has been occupied by the council since then, mainly operating as a Registry Office. In a city largely dominated by the 18th century, this unusual building demonstrates a progressive will by both the architects and their client, which kickstarted a legacy that we still benefit from today. It’s clear that the public library, as an institution, is unfortunately in decline, but let’s not forget the heady days when, as an idea, it provided access to education and the potential for social mobility on a scale largely unprecedented before our post-modern age. With this in mind, we should continue to cherish the built monuments to that idea for as long as we can!
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