Broomfield Library (EHER 82912)

Broomfield Library was constructed in 1960-1 to designs by the county architect with the architect in charge D. A Stanhope. It was designed as a proto-type for a standard rural library. The building, of steel and timber construction, is rectangular with a flat roof, a projecting entrance canopy and clerestory windows to all elevations. The interior is largely unaltered with only a replacement counter and floor coverings.

Information from NRHE The library was constructed in 1960-1 to designs by the county architect with the architect in charge D. A Stanhope. It was designed as a proto-type for a standard rural library. The building, of steel and timber construction, is rectangular with a flat roof, a projecting entrance canopy and clerestory windows to all elevations. According to the applicant, the interior is largely unaltered with only a replacement counter and floor coverings. Culture and entertainment buildings such as public libraries survive in high numbers and selectivity is employed. Clear levels of special interest are required for post-war examples and the relevant criteria include architectural quality, the quality of internal and external decoration, including sculptures and murals, historical associations, and intactness. Broomfield Library conforms to a very simple and functional design which lacks evidence of a carefully considered architectural style. Many libraries of this date often combined this facility with shopping facilities, schools or sports complexes but no signs of innovation are present in this design. We are not aware of any historical associations and the application does not make reference to significant murals or sculptures. While the building is largely intact, the loss of the original library counter is a significant one as this is an important characteristic feature of the building type. As a post-war building, Broomfield Library lacks the clear special architectural or historic interest, in a national context, to fulfil the criteria for listing. <1>