Branch Public Library, High Street, Bolton

BOLTON - The Library Committee of the Bolton Town Council have adopted the plans marked “Supervision” for the new Branch Library in High-street—these being sent in by Mr. R. Knill Freeman FRIBA, Wood-street, Bolton—subject to the stipulation... that the building is constructed for the sum limited by the committee, £2,000. There were originally fourteen sets of plans sent in, all from local architects, and from these a selection of seven was made by the committee at a previous meeting, the final choice being left over to Monday's meeting. Mr. Freeman submitted two alternative designs, the one Queen Anne, the other Gothic in character, and with different arrangements. In either case the materials are brick and ornamental terracotta. [Building News 25 February 1887 page 298]

 The Library Committee of the Bolton Town Council, at a meeting on Wednesday, decided upon accepting the plans marked " Supervision," for the new Branch Library in High Street— these being sent in by Mr. R. Knill Freeman, F.R.I.B.A., architect, Wood Street, Bolton —subject to the stipulation that the building is constructed for the sum limited by the committee, £2,000. There were originally fourteen sets of plans sent in, all from local architects, and from these a selection of seven was made by the committee at a previous meeting. Mr. Freeman submitted two designs. The style of one is Gothic, plainly treated, and the materials of the building will be brick and ornamental terra-cotta. The alternative design, prepared and submitted by Mr. Freeman shows an entirely different arrangement to the plan first mentioned. This design is treated in the Queen Anne style. The site contains 600 square yards of land, presented by John Heywood, Esq., J. P. We are not told whether Gothic or Queen Anne is chosen. [British Architect 25 February 1887 page 151]

BOLTON - For the erection of the branch library in High Street, for the Bolton Corporation. Plans and specifications may be seen at the offices of Mr. R. K. Freeman, architect, Wood Street, Bolton. [British Architect 1 April 1887 page viii]

BOLTON - The corner stone of a new branch public library at Bolton was laid the other day. The site of the library, containing 600 square yards is in High-street, Great Bolton, and has been given by Mr John Heywood MA. The style is Gothic, plainly treated and the building will be of brick with stone dressings, the total cost being £2,000. [British Architect 2 September 1887 Page 185]

Foundation Stone laid 27 August 1887
Opening by Alderman Fielding on Saturday 7 April 1888

Reference        Building News 25 February 1887 page 298
Reference        British Architect 25 February 1887 page 151
Reference        British Architect 1 April 1887 page viii - contracts
Reference        British Architect 2 September 1887 Page 185 – corner stone
Reference        Manchester Courier 29 August 1887 page 2-3 corner stone
Reference        Manchester Courier 9 April 1888 page 6 - opening