Sparkhill Library
| Sparkhill Library | |
|---|---|
 Sparkhill Library | |
 | |
| Location | Birmingham, England |
| Type | Public |
| Architect(s) | Arthur Harrison |
Sparkhill Library is a library located in Sparkhill. The Library falls under the jurisdiction of Birmingham City Council.[1]
History[edit]
The building was originally erected as Yardley Council House between 1900 and 1902 to house Yardley Rural District Council.[2] Architect Arthur Harrison was engaged on the project from 1898 to 1902. It was built at a cost of £16,000 (equivalent to £1,848,000 in 2021)[3] and opened on Wednesday 15 January 1902.[4] It was built in the Renaissance style of architecture in red brick with stone dressings and mullioned windows. The dominant clock tower at the northern end of the building was equipped with a clock donated by William Henry Barber.
In 2014 the building was saved from being sold on the open market[5] after local councillors made a plea for it to be offered for community use first.
Sparkhill Police Station, which includes the West Midlands Police Museum is next door. Also next door to the library is the Sparkhill Pool which houses a swimming pool alongside several other facilities.
The large building currently houses a social/cultural centre in which events or daily lessons are held; however in more recent years a neighbourhood office that was once situated within the building has closed.
The library opened to the public in 1987.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ "Sparkhill Library". Birmingham City Council. Archived from the original on 8 June 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
- ^ "Yardley Council House". 199.
- ^ UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
- ^ "Yardley District Council. Opening of the New Council House". Birmingham Daily Gazette. Jersey. 16 January 1902. Retrieved 16 April 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "U-turn on Sparkhill library building sale after backbench pressure". Birmingham Post.
