Gravesend library

Brief description

The building was opened in 1905, and spilled over into the building next door in 1983. The architect was Edmund J Bennett, who designed a building in the palladian renaissance style. The builder was AE Tong. The library remained closed access until 1924.

Awarded Grade II listing in 1975.

Current status: Still open as a public library, run by Kent County Council (2016)

• Year grant given (if known): around 1904
• Amount of grant: £6,000 (which the town increased to £7,050 to cover the full costs)
• Year opened (and by who – if known): 28 September 1905, by GM Arnold, Mayor of Gravesend

Photo of library in 2008:

Photo of library in 2017:

and showing new entrance to the right of the Carnegie building:

Details:

Old photo of library (postcard):

Nothing in my collection yet

Visited?

Yes, in 2008, and again in 2017. The new extension is light and airy, with a mezzanine area which houses the local studies collection.

Web and other links:

• Entry on the listed buildings register
• Newspaper article on the 2010 £2.5m refurbishment
• Photos from the refurbishment project – Clay Architecture
• Discover Gravesham – incl a history of Gravesend library
• Details about this, and all libraries in Kent found in a 3 part article written by Martin Tapsell: The Hare and the Tortoise – some notable public library buildings in Kent,  published in Bygone Kent 2001-02.

With thanks to Christoph Bull, a Kent historian who provided additional facts for this entry. He is also a former District Manager of Gravesham libraries (and his tours are mentioned in Martin Tapsell’s article).