“What’s that building?” someone asks. The Borough of Deptford Central Library stands before us. It is not just a building. It is a story etched in brick and stone.
This library began with a promise. Andrew Carnegie pledged money for its creation. He offered funds for a central library and two branches. The Borough of Deptford Central Library’s story started in 1905.
In October 1909, the site was bought for £5,600. Three shops once stood here. Carnegie increased the funding to £12,000. This act of generosity shaped the library’s future.
Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas designed the Borough of Deptford Central Library. He also designed West Greenwich library. His vision gave Deptford a distinguished building. The library opened on July 18, 1914. But its inauguration occurred just before World War I began.
The Borough of Deptford Central Library is Edwardian Baroque. It is based on Classic Renaissance style. Berkshire bricks and Portland stone create its facades. Ionic columns mark the entrance. An inscription honors Andrew Carnegie above the doorway. It features a floral wreath and the lamp of knowledge.
Inside, a corridor with a vaulted ceiling led to the lending library. A marble staircase ascends to the reference library. A colonnaded gallery features a glazed barrel-vaulted ceiling. The library held a newspaper room, a periodical room and shelf space for 20,000 books. It also had rooms for staff.
The first floor housed the reference library and a magazine room. An auxiliary room hosted exhibitions. A book lift connected the basement to the first floor.
However, the Deptford Central Library closed in June 1991. Vandalism and squatters damaged the vacant building. Illegal raves took place within its walls. Damage reached an estimated £70,000 in one year.
The Friends of Deptford Library fought to save it. They convinced the local authority to keep it for community use. Lewisham Arthouse moved in March 1994. This marked a new chapter for the old library.
Today, the Borough of Deptford Central Library is Lewisham Arthouse. It is a Grade II listed building. It provides studio space for artists. It hosts workshops and events. The building’s history is celebrated by the whole community.
The Architectural Heritage Fund supported Lewisham Arthouse. They helped secure a long-term lease. The library played a significant role during WW2. It organized Civil Defence Canteen Service. It also created libraries in air-raid shelters.
The Borough of Deptford Central Library’s story is one of resilience. It is a testament to community spirit. It shows how a building can transform and continue to serve.