Ormeau Road Library

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Detached single-storey double-height Modernist redbrick library, built c.1959 to the designs of J.H.Swann. Square on plan and located on a corner site to the south of Ormeau Embankment and to the west of Ormeau Road overlooking the Lagan to the north and set within its own enclosed site.

Flat felt-lined roof overhanging to all elevations with timber fascia and steel rainwater goods. Redbrick walling laid in stretcher bond. Double-height square-headed window openings with 12-pane steel windows and concrete sills.

A-symmetrical east front elevation dominated by series of eight windows to the left half, each window divided by painted concrete mullions and set back below the overhanging roof. To the centre is a double-height entrance, flanked by pair of projecting redbrick walls with overhanging roof detail. Original polished hardwood glazed entrance screen with double-leaf glazed doors opening onto concrete tiled platform, steps and universal access ramp. The remaining north end of the front elevation is a blank redbrick wall with its roof stepped slightly below that of the rest of the library.

South side elevation is blank with a single-storey projection to the west end having steel casement windows.

West rear elevation dominated by series of eight windows, as per above, with a pair of steel casement windows to the southern end.

North side elevation fronting onto Ormeau Embankment, also dominated by series of seven windows, as per above, with blank brick wall to the west end.

Setting:
Located on a corner site to the south of Ormeau Embankment and to the west of Ormeau Road overlooking the Lagan to the north and set within its own enclosed site. Front lawn enclosed by original low redbrick wall with Art Deco style steel railings, matching gates to the south and north and replacement steel railings enclosing the site to the north.

Roof Felt-lined flat roof
RWG Steel
Walling Redbrick
Windows Double-height 12-panel steel

Historical information

The library at Ormeau opened in March 1959 and was the winner of a RIBA award for architect J H Swann. The building first enters valuation records the same year and is noted to be the property of Belfast Corporation. The valuation is £580.

The public library system in Ireland began with the passing of the Public Libraries Act (Ireland) in 1855 which financed library provision by means of a rate of one penny in the pound in larger towns and cities. Further legislation in 1894 and 1902 eased restrictions on fund raising and allowed adjoining authorities to co-operate with each other and the foundation of the modern network of libraries was built. Between 1897 and 1927 Carnegie grants to Ireland financed the construction of a number of libraries in Belfast. After partition, the Public Libraries Act (1924) allowed Belfast Corporation to become a library authority, and further legislation of 1946 removed the rate limitation in the post-war period, amending the original Public Libraries Act (Ireland) of 1855. The Ormeau Library formed part of a post-war growth in public services, as part of the new Welfare State which saw a boom in housing and the provision of schools, hospitals and libraries. (Blackwell Companion to Modern Irish Culture; Hewitt) Sketches had been prepared for the new library by the City Surveyor in consultation with the City Librarian by 1945 and it was estimated that the cost would be £20,000. (Report on Belfast Public Libraries)

The designer was Belfast City Architect, J H Swann, FRIBA, and the contractor was Samuel Ross & Co Ltd. (Surveyor and Municipal and County Engineer). Swann’s work also includes the Art College in York Street and the crematorium at Roselawn Cemetery. (Dixon)

References:

Primary Sources

1. VAL/4/B/7/24 – Second General Revaluation 1956-72
2. Ulster Yearbook Volume 10 1957-59
3. Surveyor and Municipal and County Engineer Vol 120, 1961
4. Report on Belfast Public Libraries, 1945

Secondary Sources

1. Dixon, H “An Introduction to Ulster Architecture” Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, 2008
2. Hewitt, Arthur R “A summary of public library law in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland” Association of Assistant Librarians, 1965
3. McCormack, W J (ed) “The Blackwell Companion to Modern Irish Culture” Oxford: Blackwell, 1999

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

R. Age
S. Authenticity
X. Local Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance

Evaluation

Detached single-storey double-height Modernist redbrick library, built c.1959 to the designs of J.H.Swann FRIBA, Belfast City Architect who also designed the Art Colege in York St and the Crematorium at Roselawn cemetery. The building won an RIBA award in 1959.
Square on plan and located on a corner site to the south of Ormeau Embankment and to the west of Ormeau Road on a prominent landscaped site. A good example of Irish modernist civic architecture, with all its essential components retained. The building continues to serve its original function and the interior has been modernised to reflect the needs of 21st century library user. Ormeau Road Library is an important local landmark and is of social importance and local interest to the community it serves.