Central Library, Aberdeen

The Central Library of Aberdeen, located on Rosemount Viaduct, is a key cultural and historical institution in the city. This category C(S) listed building, designed by George Watt and opened in 1892 by Andrew Carnegie, has been at the heart of Aberdeen’s intellectual and cultural life for over 130 years. It is part of a distinguished trio of civic buildings, alongside Saint Mark’s Church and His Majesty’s Theatre, collectively referred to as “Education, Salvation, and Damnation.”

The library's original construction was funded through public campaigning, with a significant contribution from Carnegie, who donated £2000 towards the £10,000 construction cost. The building, a fine example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, features two stories and a basement, with a balustrade adorned with ornate iron lamp standards from William MacFarlane's Saracen Foundry in Glasgow. Over the years, the library has undergone several expansions, adding space to the west and rear.

Within its walls, the library houses a comprehensive collection of local maps, over 15,000 photographs, birth and death records, and a range of local newspapers, much of which is available on microfilm. The facility includes the Lending Library, the Media Centre, the Information Centre, and the Central Children's Library, offering a diverse range of services, including photocopying, internet access, and family history research.

As a centerpiece of Aberdeen’s cultural landscape, the Central Library continues to serve the community with its extensive resources and historical significance, remaining a vital link between the city’s past and its evolving present.