In 1916 a Carnegie Library (Dartford Central Library) opened in town, now 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.