Over a million books whisper secrets within these walls. Welcome to the Mitchell Library a Glasgow landmark.
Established in 1877 this grand building wasn’t always here. Its first home was a more modest space on Ingram Street. Think Italian Kitchen and Ingram Wynd pub today. The library’s namesake Stephen Mitchell a tobacco magnate left a generous bequest. This sum about £6.5 million in today’s money founded this institution. His aim was clear a library for all Glaswegians not just the wealthy.
The library’s collection grew. It quickly outgrew its Ingram Street location. It moved temporarily to Miller Street. The move was necessitated by the incredible donation of 4000 books from Robert Jeffrey. This included a rare Audubon’s Birds of America. A costly book even then. A new building was needed. A competition was held to design its new home on North Street.
Andrew Carnegie laid the foundation stone in 1907. Lord Rosebery later opened the North Street building in 1911. He called it the national library of the West. The building opened with 15000 volumes. A Latin text on 16th-century St Andrews court decisions was the first book requested. The building itself is stunning. Admire the bronze statue of Minerva atop the dome. She represents wisdom and knowledge. The original aims of the Mitchell remain. It strives to represent every phase of human thought.
The library expanded in the 1970s. The extension houses the Scottish Poetry Collection and much more. It even includes the City Archives. It’s a treasure trove of Glasgow’s past. Explore and discover this iconic building. A truly remarkable library for all.