New Exhibition at Maeshowe Visitor Centre Celebrates Scotland’s libraries. 

Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’ explores the history of libraries in Scotland and how they’ve developed from private book collections to vital spaces at the heart of our communities. Featuring images from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, the exhibition charts their innovation and growth from the 17th century through their continued evolution…

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Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’ explores the history of libraries in Scotland and how they’ve developed from private book collections to vital spaces at the heart of our communities. Featuring images from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, the exhibition charts their innovation and growth from the 17th century through their continued evolution in response to the changing needs of society to become the varied public services they are today.

Group of men at the Leadhills Miners’ Library (000-000-473-404-R) Image taken 1920-1930. The Library has had an impact on village life for over 250 years. Its foundation in 1741 was a deliberate piece of social engineering by the Scots Mining Company, and once the miners took over its management (by 1743) its importance to the community spread beyond the immediate impact of books and reading. The building became a village landmark, and was used for a wide variety of community activities. But the Society’s membership was never large. In 1882 it had 58 members, including two women. At first the only women members were widows keeping their late husband’s membership in trust for a young son, but this rule was later changed.

The exhibition also marks the 100th anniversary of the 1925 ‘National Library of Scotland Act’, which saw the establishment of the National Library of Scotland, one of the largest libraries in the United Kingdom.

Claire Whitbread, Exhibitions Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said:

“Libraries play a vital part of Scotland’s social history, from the Wanlockhead Miner’s Library established in 1756 which aimed to encourage ‘self-improvement’ in the local mining community, to Edinburgh’s Central Library, opening in 1890 and the first public library building in the city.

“Through this exhibition, we’re shining a light on these pivotal parts of communities and the fascinating stories within their walls, illuminating the continuing importance of libraries in our lives today.”

Elephant in Leith library (000-000-542-509-R). Image taken n 14 January 1976. Indras the elephant at Leith Public Library as part of Edinburgh City Libraries campaign to remind people to return their books in January 1976 – man on left seems unaware of the elephant and keeps on reading his newspaper.

National Librarian Amina Shah, at National Library of Scotland, said:

“We’re delighted that Historic Environment Scotland are touring this display during the National Library’s centenary year. We’re using our big birthday to platform all kinds of libraries through our Love Libraries campaign, which we hope will inspire people to support and champion their local libraries.

“Our own major exhibition opening in Edinburgh in June, called ‘Dear Library’, will give visitors a whole new perspective on libraries. And so we’re thrilled to be involved in this exhibition celebrating how libraries have evolved to be the vital public services that they are today.”

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‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’ opened at the Maeshowe Visitor Centre on Friday 7 March and is on till Sunday 25 May 2025. Entry to the exhibition is free and no booking is required.

The exhibition will then move to Edinburgh Central Library where it will open in July.

For more information including opening times, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

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2 responses to “New Exhibition at Maeshowe Visitor Centre Celebrates Scotland’s libraries. ”

  1. Review: Exhibition Charting 300 Years of Libraries in Scotland – The Orkney News

    […] The Maeshowe visitor centre has an excellent exhibition space and is currently hosting Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’. The exhibition will then move to Central Library in Edinburgh . […]

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  2. Exhibition Review: ‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’  – LHRT NEWS AND NOTES

    […] August 5, 2025July 20, 2025dbs21 New Exhibition at Maeshowe Visitor Centre Celebrates Scotland’s libraries.  […]

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