Airdrie Public Library facts for kids
Airdrie Public Library is a public library located in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It's a place where people can borrow books, learn new things, and explore different topics. Over the years, the library has been in several different buildings, growing and changing to serve the community.
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A Look Back: The Library's Homes and the Observatory
The story of Airdrie Public Library began way back in the 1850s. That's when the town decided to adopt the Public Libraries Act. This law made it possible for towns to create public libraries for everyone to use.
The library's very first home was a simple room in the town hall. From 1860, it moved around a few times. Finally, in 1925, it opened in its current, special building.
Two Special Library Buildings
Airdrie has had two buildings built just for its library. The first one opened in 1894. It was built with money raised by the public and a generous donation from Andrew Carnegie. He was a Scottish-born businessman who gave a lot of money to build libraries around the world. Another £1,000 was given by MP Sir John Wilson to help pay off any remaining building costs.
The Library's Starry Connection: Airdrie Public Observatory
What's really cool is that the library has a shared history with an observatory! The Airdrie Public Observatory was started in the first library building in 1896. This means people could borrow books and look at the stars from the same place!
However, the 1894 building soon became too small. So, a second, larger building was designed by JM Arthur. It opened on September 25, 1925. This new building was paid for by the Airdrie Savings Bank and another grant from Andrew Carnegie's trust. The local newspaper, the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, wrote about the opening the very next day.
When the library moved, the observatory moved too! A special observatory was built right on the roof of the new library. A large 6-inch (150 mm) refracting telescope was bought for £500. The older Dr Reid telescope was also moved to the new observatory.
A Flag from History: The Covenanters' Flag
In 1920, the library received a very special gift: a Covenanters' flag. This flag was carried in a famous battle called the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. It was given to the library by John Main, who owned the Ballochney estate.
Over time, the flag started to fade because of light. But don't worry! It was carefully restored, and the work was finished in 2002. Now, this important piece of history can be displayed again for everyone to see.
Important Dates for the Library
1853: A Library for Everyone
- August: The Public Libraries Act (Scotland) became law.
- November: Airdrie was the very first town in Scotland to adopt this act! This meant Airdrie got a public library 13 years before Dunfermline, another famous library town.
1856: Books Arrive!
- The library bought its first set of books for £40 from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
- The library officially opened in the clerks' office in the Town House, which is now known as the Town Clock.
1892: A New Building Begins
- Andrew Carnegie promised £1,000 to help build a new library. This was half the money needed, as long as the town found land and raised the other half.
- A public appeal was launched on June 13, 1892, to raise money.
- By October 1892, more than £1,000 had been raised locally. With over £2,000, plans were made for a new library on Anderson Street.
1894: The First Purpose-Built Library Opens
- The new library building opened its doors.
- MP Sir John Wilson generously paid off £1,000 of the building's debt. This allowed the new library to start without any money worries.
1896: The Observatory is Born
- April 28: Dr. Thomas Reid, a famous eye doctor from Glasgow, gave a 3-inch (76 mm) brass-bodied refracting telescope to the town.
- The telescope was placed in the library. Dr. Reid also gave £35 to turn a top-floor room into an observatory with a dome on the roof. This is how the Airdrie Public Observatory began!
- Robert Dunlop was the first person in charge of the observatory, followed by Mr Peter Scotland.
1925: A Brand New Library and Observatory
- September 25: A new library building opened near the first one. It received financial help from Airdrie Savings Bank and another grant from the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust.
- A new, special observatory was built right on the roof of this new library.
- Today, the Airdrie Astronomical Association (AAA) helps manage the observatory.
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