NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 217, 11 June 1935, Page 9

NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY

Question of Competitive Plans POINT NOT YET DECIDED It is anticipated that the Order-in-Council for the loan of £60,000 for the construction of a new Wellington Central Public Library, on the section between Mercer and Harris Streets—140ft. by 270 ft.—will be issued this week.

When the City Council discussed the library question early last year, It was generally agreed that competitive plans should lie invited for the job. There was no definite decision on that point, according to the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop), but it was certainly in the minds of some of the councillors at that time. Reference was also made tc the point ns to whether the plans should bo restricted to architects resident in New Zealand, or whether the competition should he thrown open to architects of the British Empire. These points have still to be considered. The details in connection with arranging such a competition were postponed against the time the librarian (Mr. J. Norrie) should return from his visit to the United States and England. It is known that Mr. Norrie has certain definite ideas as to the layout of a modern library, and it is assumed that the architects who compete will have to conform to them tn their plans. Speaking generally, it is anticipated the*- tlie new library will occupy a centra! position in the block mentioned. That is to say, it will be set back 50 feet from both Mercer and Harris Streets, and there will be n space of some 40 feet reserved on either side. Even that provision for light and air will leave space for a building 170 foot in length. A structure of two stories and a semi-basement has been visualised. That would mean three floors nearly double the length .of the present library.