Brief History
Various subscription and institutional library services existed in Dumbarton before the Town Council adopted the Public Libraries Act and formed Dumbarton Public Library in October 1881. Premises were obtained at the old Abstainers Hall, 70 High Street. In 1892, the library moved into premises in the new Denny Institute adjacent to the Burgh Hall in Church Street.
Soon the need for larger accommodation was felt. Andrew Carnegie, the Fife-born American millionaire and Scottish public library benefactor extraordinaire, responded positively to a letter sent to him by the Council in 1904 asking for financial assistance towards a new dedicated library building. Land was acquired at Strathleven Place in 1907, and building commenced in 1909 to plans by the local architect, William Reid. The new library opened on 30th September, 1910. The introduction in 1951 of open access to the books was only possible after considerable internal refurbishment, and later increased demands placed on library services were catered for by a large extension to the building, opened in 1969.
The local government reorganisation of 1975 brought Dumbarton Library under the control of Dumbarton District Council, when it became the main public library for the area. From 1996 Dumbarton Library has been operated by West Dunbartonshire Council, and is the largest library in the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven area.
Free Internet Access is available.
Local history materials, family history resources and archives covering the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven areas are a strong feature.
Exhibitions of local history, arts or museum items regularly take place.
