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Central Library, Aberdeen
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The Central Library is the principal public library for the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. It opened in 1892 and is operated by Aberdeen City Council as part of the Aberdeen City Libraries network.[2][3]
Key Information
History
[edit]The library is housed in a category C(S) listed building.[4][5] It cost £10,000 to build and was publicly funded through local campaigning that began in 1889. It was opened 5 July 1892 by Andrew Carnegie after he and his wife contributed £2000 to the construction process.[6][7] It is one of a group of three civic buildings - the other two being St Mark's Church and His Majesty's Theatre - known as "Education, Salvation and Damnation."[8]
Collection
[edit]The library contains large collections of local maps, over 15,000 photographs, birth and death records and a collection of local newspapers. Much of the library's stock is held on microfilm.[9] The Aberdeen Collection includes material on shipbuilding, fishing, granite, and the oil industry.[10]
Architecture
[edit]The Central Library was built in the late 19th century using local grey granite. It features granite ashlar construction with architectural elements such as arched windows, cornices, and an entrance on Rosemount Viaduct. [11][12]
Renovation and modernisation
[edit]The building has undergone updates to accommodate contemporary use while preserving its historical elements. A refurbishment in the early 1990s enhanced accessibility and expanded facilities such as the children's library and multimedia areas. In 2017, further upgrades introduced new information technology equipment and updated study spaces.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Local Studies". Aberdeen City Council. Archived from the original on 7 October 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
- ^ "Central Library". Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ a b "125 Years of Aberdeen Central Library". Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ Dewe, Michael (2006). Planning Public Library Building. Ashgate Publishing. pp. 141 and 148. ISBN 9780754633884.
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Public Library, Rosemount Viaduct. (Category C Listed Building LB19993)". Retrieved 15 March 2019.
- ^ "Next chapter for historic library as events held for 125th anniversary - Evening Express". Evening Express. 16 November 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
- ^ "Aberdeen Central Library kicks off 125th anniversary celebrations". Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
- ^ "Scene change". www.scotsman.com. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
- ^ "Our collection". Aberdeen City County. Archived from the original on 7 October 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
- ^ "Maritime & Harbour Records". Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Aberdeen Central Library". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Central Library". Trove Scotland. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Andrew Carnegie Libraries Archived 10 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine
57°08′52″N 2°06′22″W / 57.1479°N 2.1060°W
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