 Andrew Carnegie's offer of £7,500 of funding for a new library came in 1904 following representations made to him, and this was increased to £10,000.The building, built and designed by the Borough Engineer William Newton, was opened on 18 January 1908 by Alderman T. E. Higham.The ground floor contained a reading room, children's room and lending department; the first floor housed the reference library, librarian's office and a lecture Room which could hold 500 people.