User:Renfrewshire Libraries

Paisley Central Library
Paisley Central Library in Renfrewshire opened on 15 April 1871. In 1808 the Paisley Philosophical Society was established with the aim of self-improvement for themselves and fellow townsmen, through the collection of books and museum artifacts. As their collections grew, so too did the need for a building to house them. The Free Library and Museum was designed by John Honeyman, and built in 1871.

The cost to build the library and museum was £6,324. The money was donated by Peter Coats, a Paisley thread manufacturer. The library was stocked with books from the collections gathered by the Paisley Philosophical Society, and by donations. Donations included the four volumes of Audubon's "Birds of America", then valued at £250, and still the most valuable item in the library's collection. Catalogues dating from this time can be viewed today in the Reference and Local Studies library.

The cost to build was £6,324. The money was donated by Peter Coats, a Paisley thread manufacturer. The library was stocked with books from the collections gathered by the Paisley Philosophical Society, and by donations. Donations included the four volumes of Audubon's "Birds of America", then valued at £250, and still the most valuable item in the library's collection. Catalogues dating from this time can be viewed today in the Heritage ibrary.