Thorne Carnegie Library
Location/Address
Corner of Field Side & Durham Avenue, Thorne, Doncaster, DN8 4BQ
Type
Description
Library building provided thanks to funding from Andrew Carnegie; https://carnegielibrariesofbritain.com/ notes that "Carnegie funding was critical to the public library movement in the UK". The building closed as a library in 2007 and was sold in 2010 - now thought to be in use as offices, according to: https://carnegielegacyinengland.wordpress.com/2017/01/07/thorne-library/.
There is a foundation stone on the front elevation of the building that reads "This stone was laid by James Servant, Dec 14th 1905". The grant of £1500 from Carnegie to Thorne Parish Council was agreed earlier in 1905 (see : https://dlc.library.columbia.edu/carnegie/cul:280gb5mn2f ); the laying of the foundation stone was described by Sheffield Daily Telegraph on December 15th 1905, with James Servant described as chairman of the parish council. Those attending the ceremony include E H Ballan (architect, Doncaster) and W Barton (builder). The Builder also noted this ceremony in their publication of 30th December 1905 p708.
The building itself opened in 1906. The opening ceremony was reported by Sheffield Daily Telegraph in an article on 28th September 1906, with the new building is described as "designed on a free treatment of the Tudor period, and built with Nostel brick facings and stone dressings.... A caretaker's cottage is attached at the rear of the buildings". The design of the building is given as by E H Ballan, MSA, FISE "from drawings submitted in a local competition".
[A later notice in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph, of 20th November 1906, lists E H Ballan, architect and surveyor, at 19 and 20 Baxter Gate, Doncaster.]
At the opening ceremony, Ralph Creyke, JP, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Carnegie and noted that the Free Library and adjacent Court House were in very good company: "The Court House represented the forces of law and order, and action and the Free Library represented the influences of civilisation, culture and of rest".
Historic photos available online indicate there has been little external alteration, although the perimeter wall has been part removed to allow for vehicular access and the chimney of the caretaker's cottage has been part-reduced. The sign 'Carnegie Free Library' has been boarded over.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Thorne Carnegie LibraryAge
The building dates to 1905/1906 and is of merit, being an example of cultural infrastructure that reflects a particular period of investment in library provision. The Historic England listing guide on Culture & Entertainment Buildings (2017) notes p.3 that "An 1850 Act permitted local authorities to build libraries... A further Libraries Act in 1892 made it easier for urban authorities to raise funds, and thenceforth libraries were built in unprecedented numbers." Local authority provision was boosted by funding from Andrew Carnegie (1835 -1919). Marking the 100th anniversary of Carnegie's death, the Carnegie UK Trust noted "When the first Carnegie library was opened in 1883, only 23% of the UK population had access to a public library service, and by 1915, this had risen to 60%, largely thanks to Carnegie’s contribution" (see https://www.cilips.org.uk/building-on-carnegies-public-library-legacy-carnegie-uk-trust/ ).Rarity
Carnegie provided funding for 9 libraries within South Yorkshire. The Thorne library building is 1 of 2 that stand within the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster - the other being at MexboroughArchitectural and Artistic Interest
Designed by E H Ballan, Architect & Surveyor, DoncasterGroup Value
The library building and caretaker's cottage were built together and should be considered as one asset - they stand on the other side of Durham Avenue from the slightly earlier Court House/Police Station (still in use); this grouping of was noted in the opening ceremony in 1906.Historic Interest
The library building reflects the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie and the desire and determination of Thorme Parish Council to secure funding for a free Public Library for the town. It helps to tell the story of social change - Carnegie funding was critical to supporting the public library movement in the UK. Andrew Carnegie is quoted as saying "there was no use to which money could be applied so productive... as the founding of a public library in a community" (see https://www.carnegie.org/interactives/foundersstory/#!/ ).Archaeological Interest
Surviving historic fabric.Landmark Status
The building is sited on the main road through Thorne. Given its previous use as a library it has strong communal associations, as well as association with Andre Carnegie and Thorne Parish Council giving it historical associations.
Date Listed
n/a
Last Updated
14 Aug 2023
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