Central Library: Newspaper reading room

Category

Library Item

Item no

35221

Title

Central Library: Newspaper reading room

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1937

Size

11.7 x 15.8 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The space that the Edinburgh & Scottish Collection occupies is the area that has changed most over the last 125 years. Originally, the room was tiled up to 8 feet carrying the lustre tiles from the above landing above as a frieze. The tiles were designed for easy cleaning. There were also two fireplaces.
At first the Newsroom was accessible from the Cowgate, but for various reasons this entrance is no longer used. Off the Newsroom, there was a separate library for 'juveniles' (those under 14 years) and another area for 'higher-class magazines'. The Juvenile Department was so well used that some had to squat on the floor. The Economics and Commercial library was also housed here in 1936. The Mezzanine level was added in the 1950s.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Columns

Furnishings > Furniture > Chairs

Furnishings > Furniture > Desks

Places > Edinburgh areas > Cowgate

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Activities > Reading and books

Sport and leisure > Culture > Libraries