Aberdeen Central Library kicks off 125th anniversary celebrations
03 July 2017
Aberdeen’s iconic Central Library kicks off its 125th anniversary with a special reception event tomorrow evening (Tuesday 4 July).
The library, part of the famous ‘Education, Salvation and Damnation’ row of Rosemount Viaduct civic buildings alongside St Mark’s Church and His Majesty’s Theatre was opened on 5 July 1892 by Andrew Carnegie at a cost of £10,000, most of which was raised by public funding.
The reception will see the screening of two specially commissioned films - a 125 anniversary commemorative video and a unique 360 film of the City Librarians and Treasures in the collections - the launch of the 125 commemorative booklet and a special presentation by colleagues from Regensburg, Aberdeen’s twin city.
The reception is followed by an anniversary fair this Saturday (8 July) between 12 and 4pm. The afternoon programme will include musical performances, games, a special book sale of old library stock and celebratory refreshments and cake. There will also be the chance to challenge library staff at Jenga to win a free rental from the Media Centre.
There will be a number of activities planned specifically for younger library users in the Children's Department including Victorian themed crafting, a balloon artist and face-painting. There will also be the chance to try out 3D design and printing.
Our community libraries will be joining in the celebration with a range of activities including picnics with Library Bear, superhero stories with Library Lady and a chance to spot her on her code quest.
Councillor John Wheeler, Education and Children’s Services Convener, said: “What a fantastic milestone for one of the city’s landmark buildings. The Central Library is so much more than a lending library; it houses extensive catalogues of maps, newspapers and photographs as well as birth and death records and, for generations of Aberdonians, it has been a hugely important centre for research and education.
I’m sure the 125th birthday events will provide a fitting celebration of our much loved Central Library.”
Fiona Clark, Service Manager for Culture, said: “We are all really looking forward to our anniversary events. This is an opportunity to celebrate the past City Librarians, our collections and treasures as it is of the building itself. We are justly proud of the library services provided from this building over the last 125 years and look forward to continue to do so for the next 125!”
“I know the people of Aberdeen have always held, and always will have, a great affection for the Central Library and will want to join us in our celebrations.”