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Library Fountain
688 Library Fountain which stood adjacent to the original Central Library building. It was removed to make way for the extension which housed the Commercial Library, later known as the Business and Technical Department and subsequently as the Media Centre. Aberdeen Central Library Staff 1892
1388 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). Aberdeen Central Library extension
1395 The extension cost £7,700 and opened on 18 May 1905. Built in keeping with the character of the main structure, it was described as a "harmony of architectural features". Facilities included a new Reading Room, a Stock Room, an upgraded Reference Department and public toilets. Aberdeen Central Library, Reference Department 1905
1400 A very busy Reference Department. An additional 80 chairs had been provided as part of the improvements in 1905, including 30 for the exclusive use of ladies. Books could be accessed directly off the shelves and the whole department was much brighter and attractive. Aberdeen Central Library, Local Studies c.1905
1401 Known as the vestibule to the Reference Department, this room (formerly a store and binders department) was transformed to accommodate the foundations of what would become the Local Studies Collection.
The large bookcase in the photograph was 24 feet long and held Council Minutes, Aberdeen Directories and Spalding Club publications. Aberdeen Central Library, Commercial Section
1405 In October 1938, a Commercial Reference section was set up in the Reading Room in response to the increasing demand for information on trade, business, banking and technology. In its first year of operation it received over 48,000 enquiries. Aberdeen Central Library, Commercial Department 1970s
1406 A view of the Commercial Library in the late 1970s showing Mrs Diana Edmonds who was appointed Commercial and Technical Librarian in February 1977. In December 1979 an online terminal and visual display unit was installed in the Commercial Library. Aberdeen Central Library, Commercial Department 1980s
1407 A view of the Commercial and Technical Department in the 1980s. The department continued to enhance its reputation at home and abroad with the publication of its 4th edition of the Oil and Gas Bibliography. Aberdeen Central Library, Commercial Department 2004
1408 A final view of the Business and Technical Department in 2004 before it re-located to the Reference Department as part of a major refurbishment programme to develop the Central Library as a Centre for Library Excellence. Aberdeen Central Library, Children's Department 1948
1413 In the summer of 1946 the Reference Department Stock Room in the extension was re-decorated and converted into the Children's Library. The 'Juvenile' Library had been housed in the former Reading Room in the basement since 1911 and the move to a bright and airy room encouraged children to spend more time in the Library. Aberdeen Central Library, Children's Department 2011
1415 A view of the Children's Library in 2011 when the split level floor had been removed partly due to health and safety reasons and to create more open space for events and activities. Aberdeen Central Library, Children's Department 2011
1416 This view of the Children's Library is looking towards the staircase to the Local Studies workroom and access to the Information Centre. Aberdeen Central Library, Children's Department 2011
1417 This view of the Children's Library in September 2011 contrasts well with the image of 1948. The Queen Mother visits Aberdeen Central Library
1426 The Queen Mother officially opened the modernised building on 20 October 1982. She unveiled a commemorative plaque in the Lending Department and is seen here signing the Visitors Book. Aberdeen Central Library, Lending section 1948
1428 The Central Lending Library opened in July 1892 and this photograph from 1948 was taken after the department had been closed for 2 weeks in August for re-decoration. Aberdeen Central Library, Lending department 1948
1429 A view of the Lending Library from 1948 showing the counter and the Brown system of issuing books in operation. Aberdeen Central Library, Adult Lending Department 2011
1432 Compared to the shelving of earlier times, the units here are much lighter in both weight and colour. The ability to easily move the shelving also allows for a greater use of the space, helping to cater for special events. The staircase to the mezzanine floor, added during the modernisation of 1978-82 can be seen in the background. Aberdeen Central Library, Reference Department
1436 The Reference Library opened in August 1892 and underwent a number of changes in layout. As this photograph shows it was frequently packed out with industrious students and researchers throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Aberdeen Central Library, Reference Department 1980s
1438 A general view of the Reference Library and main desk during the 1980s. Aberdeen Central Library, Reference Department c.1990s
1439 This photograph shows a different view of the Reference Desk and study tables with Reference Librarian Jim Pratt working behind the desk during the 1990s. Aberdeen Central Library, Local Studies Department
1440 Aberdeen Local Studies moved to a new home in the extension following the refurbishment of 1978-82. It was integrated back on to the main reference floor in 1990 and the extension area has since been used for a variety of purposes including study facilities, Aberdeen College Learning Centre outreach and the Business Information Service. Aberdeen Central Library, window replacement 2003
1446 All of the windows of Central Library were replaced during the period March 2003 to May 2004 as part of a refurbishment programme to develop the Central Library as a Centre for Library Excellence. They were re-painted in their original brown colour. Central School (Aberdeen Academy)
1458 In 1901, Aberdeen School Board planned to build a new central higher grade school and plans were drawn up by John A. O. Allan for a building on the corner of Schoolhill and Belmont Street. The new school was opened in November 1905. It planned to cater for pupils aged 12 - 15 years coming from all the town's elementary schools, with over 1,000 on the roll initially. In 1954, the school changed name to become Aberdeen Academy, and its intake comprised those pupils who successfully passed their 11+ exams in Primary 7. The school closed in 1969 and the pupils moved to the newly built Hazlehead Academy. The building became a Resources centre for the Department of Education and then in the late 1990s became a shopping centre named "The Academy". Treasure 1: Aberdeen Public Library staff photograph of 1892
2271 What a fabulous photograph of the Central Library staff from when the building opened in 1892. We get a feel for the ladies dress at the time and during our 120 celebrations in 2012 mannequins wore paper costumes replicating the Victorian style.
There were 15 staff then - the Librarian, Sub-Librarian, 9 Assistants, a Reading Room Keeper, a Janitor and 2 staff in the Binding Department but not everyone is in the photograph. The Librarian is definitely missing but we will meet him later.
We have a list of staff names and one in particular was remembered for her helpfulness, courtesy and compilation of the Local Studies catalogue. Miss Emma Valentine joined the service in 1890 as an Assistant and progressed to Assistant in Charge of the Reference Department. Sadly she died young in 1915 and is believed to haunt the building today.
Who do you think Miss Valentine is in the photograph? |