First Carnegie library opens in Dunfermline

Background. Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist, was born in Dunfermline, Scotland. In 1879, he planned to fund a new library for his birthplace. The following year, he donated £8,000 for the establishment of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library. This donation initiated the construction of what would become the first Carnegie library in the world.

Construction. Building plans for the library were prepared by James Campbell Walker in 1880. On 27 July 1881, Carnegie's mother, Margaret Carnegie, laid the foundation stone during a return to Dunfermline. The library was built between 1881 and 1883, becoming a Category B listed structure on Abbot Street.

Opening. The library opened on 29 August 1883. The event was regarded as the most significant local event of the year, leading to the declaration of a public holiday. It was the first Carnegie library funded by Carnegie, who later became a leading philanthropist.