To those who answered "1898", the "got on loan" was a pointer to the library!

The distinctive Library was opened in 1966. The journal "design" described it thus at the time:

Swanage library, opened at the end of last year, was designed by the county architect, J. Hurst. The arresting circular design is a modern treatment of the traditional library shape, dictated by the need to have easy central control and supervision. The choice of this shape, and the adoption of two floor levels, were also influenced by future road patterns in the town. The building successfully incorporates the traditional local building material, Purbeck stone, with a reinforced concrete frame structure. Inside, Reska fitments have been chosen to house the books because of their flexibility and ease in use. The colour scheme throughout is grey, black and white, providing a foil for colourful book jackets. Further colour has been introduced in the ceramic tiles in the central unit, which were made by a local artist and craftsman, Christopher Russell. Careful attention has been paid to detail throughout, including notice boards and signs. Altogether the library represents an exciting addition to the town centre of Swanage.

In 2011, at a time when austerity was getting going and libraries across the country were closing, Swanage Library underwent a £400,000+ refurbishment, taking around six months.