The History of Dartford Library
It is a grade II listed building of outstanding architectural merit. The Dartford Central Library building was constructed with the aid of a grant from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It was designed by Thomas E. Tiffin AMICE, the then Dartford Urban District Council Surveyor.
The building, constructed in Bath , Portland and York stone, was built by Messrs H. Friday and Sons and Ling. The facing bricks used in the construction are best Coronet Red with minor decorative work in Blue Staffordshire brick. The Central Library building was opened in 1916 by A. W. Smale, the Chairman of the Dartford Urban District Council, and W. A. Ward, Chairman of the Library Committee.
The original building occupied the area to the right of the present Museum door, but due to excessive demand on the Library and Museum service, an extension was planned. This was completed in 1937, and the building assumed its present proportions.
The extension was built by Cooper Estates Ltd of Dartford . The prominent Coat of Arms above the Museum entrance is the old Dartford Borough Coat of Arms granted to the town in 1933. A new Coat of Arms was adopted by the town in 1977.
The Haunted History of Dartford Library
There is not much in the way of documented reports on the goings on at Dartford library. There have been some instances of books that fall or are pushed from the shelves by an alledged spirit and there are some unexplainable noises that can be heard within the walls.
Some of the staff members have reported that in some places of the library - notably the attic - they have been touched and had their clothing pulled by unseen hands.
