Sandeman Public Library
- Reference:GB 252 PE/6
- Dates of Creation:1896-1971
- Physical Description:2.63 Linear Metres
Scope and Content
Minute books, 1896-1971; Letter books, 1897-1928; Salaries and wage books, 1952-1971; Accounting records, 1899-1971; Staff instructions, 1934-1952; Suggestions book, 1952-1968; Donations registers, 1942-1971; Exhibition catalogues, 1911-1929; Accession registers, 1897-1971; Issues and receipts books, 1920-1971
Administrative / Biographical History
The first library in Perthshire opened at Innerpeffray in 1664 and a Perth library service began in 1784. Many of the guilds had their own libraries.
In 1853 the Public Libraries Act (Scotland) gave the burgh council powers to raise taxes to build and provide a free public library. However the council did not have the funds to build the library themselves and were reluctant to impose greater taxes.In the 1890s Professor Archibald Sandeman bequeathed almost £30,000 for the purpose; this lead to the building of the Sandeman Public Library on Kintoull Street.The library received many donations of private library collections:Robert Scott-Fittis (1906) - a private library owned by this Perthshire historian/writer; Mackintosh Library (1933) - extensive collection of the Rev. Donald Mackintosh (books from 1500s to 1830s); Atholl Collection (1935) - donated by Lady Dorothea Ruggles Brise (sheet music, poetry and dances later catalogued by Sheila Douglas) Also the Young Collection; Brough Collection; Pullar Collection; Keith Collection; and the Margaret Stewart Collection of maps.
In 1994 the AK Bell Library was opened on the site of the former infirmary on York Place, replacing the Sandeman Library
Access Information
Data protection rules may apply
Conditions Governing Use
Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements, copyright and data protection restrictions. Charges are made for this service. Applications should be made to Archive staff.
Related Material
DGP 1896/21 and DGP 1933/12: Dean of guild plans for the Sandeman LibraryPE44: Sandeman Public Library papers, 1896-1972PE69: Sandeman Bequest committee papers, 1892-1914