Reading Public Libraries. The West Branch Library, later known as Battle Library, Oxford Road. The Lending Library, c. 1910. A gentleman with a moustache is on duty behind the counter. Some of the guiding, suspended from a curved rail just below the ceiling, is legible, and shows that an alphabetical classification is in use. There is a large umbrella stand in the foreground, right. The gas-lights have frilled glass shades. 1910-1919