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The ground floor is placed about three feet above the level of the
pavement. On entering, one reaches the Ladies' Room on the right
hand side, and the News Room on the left hand side, the public
portion of the Lending Library being immediately in front. The
Boys' Room has a door opening into the News Room, but it is proposed
that the usual means of access shall be through the Lending Library,
thus enabling the staff to have full control over those who use the
room. The Public Rooms are all under the direct supervision of the
staff in the Lending Library, as is also the Entrance Hall.
On the first floor is the Reference Library and Magazine Room,
with Book Store attached. A spiral staircase from the Book Store
communicates with the Lending Library and basement below. This
enables the staff to reach one department from another, with great
facility. Adjoining the Reference Library is the Committee Room.
There is a separate entrance for the Librarian's staff, and this
entrance also leads to the Librarian's residence, which comprises—
Drawing-room, dining-room, and three bedrooms, bath-room, kitchen,
scullery, &c.
The exterior facings of the walls are of red brick, with terra
cotta dressings, cornices, mouldings, and enrichments, the roof being
covered with slates.
Over the entrance is a panel bearing the inscription "Passmore
Edwards Public Library." The rest of the space being filled in with
a conventional Tree of Knowledge. The figure subject in the upper
portion of the gable represents St. George and the Dragon, and the
shields on either side of this bear the Cross of St. George and the
Badge of the Vestry of St. George the Martyr, Southwark, respectively.
Above the western window there is a panel representing
"Truth holding the mirror up to Nature."
The main staircase is of teak, the newels, balusters, and handrail
being polished, while the doors and screens are of varnished pine, the
wood being stained in two different tints. This treatment is also
carried out to the wood panel ceiling of the Reference Library. Glass
has been largely used, in order to provide as much light as possible
throughout the building.