ABSTRACT
In the 1960s, the library and architectural presses carried many reviews of new public library buildings. This chapter highlights a selection of the best of these reviewed designs, ‘flagship’ libraries that caught – and in some cases still catch – the eye (coverage of a selection of truly iconic Sixties libraries is left to the final four chapters). The most publicised flagship designs were of city-or borough-centre libraries, such as Luton (1962), Norwich (1962), Bradford (1967), Newcastle-uponTyne (1968) and Bromley (1977). Also featured in this chapter are Finsbury Public Library (1967), a notable medium-size building, and Jesmond Branch Library, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Bromley Road Branch Library, Lewisham, both opened in 1963, which were fine examples of innovative small-library design. In discussing these buildings, reference is again made, as in the previous chapter, to issues of siting, space and style. Note is made of the way these elements, and that of light, at times came together, or intersected, in the individual designs discussed.
