07 May 2011

Winchester Library

We have a great library here in Winchester in Jewry Street. It's actually called the "Winchester Discovery Centre" and as well as all the usual books it has 2 areas for exhibitions, a small auditorium, a cafe and many clubs and groups meeting here. This building, built in 1838, was originally the Corn Exchange where grain was bought and sold. In the early 1900s it went into decline and was used at various times as a dining hall, roller skating rink, sports hall, theatre and cinema. In 1936 the City Council, owners of the building since 1913, moved the Public Library here from the Guildhall extension, where it remains to the present day.

11 comments:

  1. what a grand old building to settle down with a book and spend an afternoon in.

    Darryl and Ruth : )

    ReplyDelete
  2. A library full of life, what a pleasure.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is such a wonderful little building, I'm glad it has a bustling and perfectly interesting new lease of life. Long may it and books live!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved going in there, but never got to see it finished, so it's good to know that you approve of it in its new guise. I could never understand what was wrong with it before - I thought it was beautiful as it was! It opened up again just after we left.

    ReplyDelete
  5. PS Did they do up the loos beneath it as well? They were pretty grim!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This building looks very appealing... and books too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looks how a library should. Beautiful building.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this old, historic building! Great building architectural details!

    I send you a cyber piece of my cake today!

    ReplyDelete
  9. From corn to books, it seems quite a progress for this interesting building.

    ReplyDelete
  10. One thing about it when they build a building it was there to stay for ever.
    This made a great library.

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's a very popular place and is always full of people, it has free wi-fi too!

    ReplyDelete