The Guest Memorial Library and reading room was built 1855-1863 as a memorial to Sir Josiah John Guest (d1852) of the Dowlais Iron Works (nprn 34084). The building was probably designed by Sir Charles Barry who died in 1860, but had been the favoured architect of the Guest family. Work was started in 1855 but as costs exceeded the money available, the Dowlais Iron Company took over the completion of the building on condition that it became their property. The original subscriptions were returned to the trustees who used the money to provide annual scholarships for the children taught in the Dowlais schools. The library was opened in 1863 at a total cost of £7,000.
Siource: Cadw list description
RCAHMW 2009