User:Storye book/editing/Sheffield libraries

Sheffield Central Library and Graves Art Gallery is a public library in Sheffield. It houses the city library service's single largest general lending and reference collection, as well as hosting an art gallery on the third floor, and a theatre in the basement.

Services available from the building include:


 * Arts, Social Science and Sports Library
 * Business, Science and Technology Library
 * Central Children's Library
 * Local Studies Library
 * Music and Video Library
 * Sheffield Information Service
 * Sports Library
 * World Metal Index
 * Graves Art Gallery
 * Library Theatre

Work on the building began in 1929, to a design by W. G. Davies. Built in a broadly art-deco style, it was opened in 1934 by the Duchess of York. Conceived as part of a plan by Patrick Abercrombie to create a civic square, it was the only element ever built and so faces onto a narrow street. In 1991, Tudor Square was constructed to one side of the library.

The building, supported by a steel frame, is faced with Portland stone and has some decorative mouldings by Alfred and William Tory.

The Graves Art Gallery was founded around a bequest from J. G. Graves and hosts a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions.