3-078-210 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new public library, Edinburgh, 1890. 'This fine building, erected at a cost of £30,000, the munificent gift of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, of Pittsburg, United States of America, to the citizens of Edinburgh, was opened on June 9 by Lord Rosebery, when the Lord Provost, Sir Thomas Clarke, Mr. Wallace Bruce, the American Consul, and Professor David Masson, of Edinburgh University, took part in the proceedings. Our Illustration shows the exterior design of the building, which stands close to George IV. Bridge, in the Old Town. The architect is Mr. G. Washington Browne, of Edinburgh. The reference library has shelves for 72,651 volumes, and the adjoining book-store will contain 35,253 volumes, giving a total for the reference department of 107,904 volumes. It will be capable of accommodating 160 male readers and thirty-six female readers. The newspaper and general reading-room occupies the first floor. This room is of the same size and shape as the reference-room, and has in connection with it a separate room for juveniles and one for the higher-class magazines'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.