Subject matches "Libraries" or its children

127 items

Aberdeen Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct

Aberdeen Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct decorated seen from Skene Terrace.

The Sir John Anderson Library

The Sir John Anderson Library, Clifton Road, Woodside.

Aberdeen Central Library

Aberdeen Central Library was designed by George Watt but has been added to over the years. This image shows the library decorated for the city's celebrations of the coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra that were held on Saturday 9th August 1902. The new monarchs had been crowned the previous year. The decorations on Schoolhill and Rosemount Viaduct were carried out under the direction of Mr Stewart, superintendent of Stewart Park. See the Aberdeen Daily Journal of Monday 11th August 1902 for an extensive report on the coronation celebrations.

Children's library, Woodside

The Children's section downstairs in Woodside Library, Clifton Road.

Anderson Library, Clifton Road, Woodside

Engraving of the Anderson Library, Clifton Road, Woodside. The library was built by Sir John Anderson. The Architect was Arthur Clyne. c.1883.

Aberdeen Central Library

Aberdeen Central Library on Rosemount Viaduct. c.1980.

King's College Library, Old Aberdeen

King's College was founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495. Marischal College was founded as an independent university in 1593. The two formed the University of Aberdeen in the fusion of 1860. The core of King's College Library was formed from the books Elphinstone left in the latter years of his life. The books were originally housed in a room in the south east tower (now the round tower). They were then moved to a building on the south side of King's College Chapel, and in 1773 to the west end of the Chapel. They were relocated in 1870 to a new building as illustrated. This library was extended in 1885, with galleries being installed in 1912, reading desks in 1932 and a mezzanine floor in 1964. This image shows King's College Library when it was closed in 1983. The library was converted into King's College Conference Centre in 1991.

Rosemount Viaduct

Aberdeen Central Public Library, St. Mark's Church and the statue of William Wallace all on Rosemount Viaduct. His Majesty's Theatre is yet to be built - opened in 1906. The dome of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Woolmanhill is just visible in the background.

Aberdeen Central Library

The main doorway to Aberdeen City Libraries Central Library on Rosemount Viaduct. The two people in the doorway are librarians Jean Dodds and Alan Rennie.

Proposed site of new library

There were 5 sites proposed on which to build the new library including purchasing the Music Hall Buildings. The site on Rosemount Viaduct was commended for its "centrical position and abundance of air and light".

Aberdeen Library front elevation plan

The architect of the winning design was Alexander Brown. He designed a 3 storey building in the Renaissance style with 2 side wings. The front elevation plan is held by Aberdeen City Archives.

Aberdeen Central Library 1892

The new Central Library was officially opened by Andrew Carnegie on July 5th 1892 at a cost of £10,000 (about £5m today). Mr. Carnegie had contributed £1,000 to the building fund and prior to the opening ceremony received the Freedom of the City.

Aberdeen Library opening ceremony seating plan

The opening ceremony was held in the new Reading Room on 5 July 1892 where a platform had been erected covered in crimson cloth and decorated with plants and flowers. The original seating plan is held in Aberdeen City Archives.

Aberdeen Library opening ceremony invitation card

Entrance to the ceremony was by invitation only and the crowd "thoroughly representative of all classes of the community". (Aberdeen Free Press 6 July 1892) The original entry ticket is held in Aberdeen City Archives.

Aberdeen Library opening ceremony luncheon

After the opening ceremony 150 guests adjourned to the Town and County Hall for luncheon. The Library staff were entertained to tea in Mr. Millison's Restaurant in Market Street. The original luncheon invitation is held in Aberdeen City Archives.

Rosemount Viaduct view

A postcard view of the Central Library in 1900 showing the Free South Church (now St Marks) and Wallace Statue. This image pre-dates the building of His Majesty's Theatre.

Aberdeen Central Library Staff 1892

When the Central Library opened in 1892, the staff consisted of the Librarian and Sub-Librarian plus 9 Assistants, a Reading Room Keeper, a Janitor and 2 staff in the Binding Department. A total of 15 compared to 70 in 2012 (120 across the service).

Manual for Readers

Prior to the opening the Librarian had prepared a small "Manual for Readers" giving a brief historical sketch of the Library and a description of the new departments. The manual also contained a number of advertisements including one for the Lending Catalogue. Over 10,000 copies were freely distributed.

Lending Library Plan, 1892

The Lending Library opened on 12 July 1892. It opened weekdays from 11-8pm (except Wednesday when it closed at 1pm). There was no direct access to the books. "Indicator Boards" listed books in stock and borrowers had to ask the staff to fetch those they wanted.

Lending Library re-opening, 1925

In 1925 the Lending Library closed for a month whilst it was reorganised for open access. It was formally re-opened by Mr FC Thomason MP for Aberdeen South on 3 October 1925 with over 38,000 books in stock. This souvenir card was issued to all borrowers who could now browse the shelves to their hearts content.