18 September 2025 (09:00 - 20:00)
19 September 2025 (09:00 - 20:00)
20 September 2025 (09:00 - 20:00)
Drop In Handing Session: Glasgow Firsts at the Mitchell Library
Feast your eyes on some "Glasgow Firsts" at our Doors Open Day Handling Session!
Join our librarians to "turn the pages" of historic Glasgow with:
The first newspaper printed in Glasgow
The first history of Glasgow
The first directory of Glasgow
The first book printed in the city.
Drop in between 11am - 12 noon & 3pm - 4pm on the ground floor.
Drop In Exhibition
While you're here, why not spend some time at our current exhibition, Performing 19th Century Glasgow: Nation, Celebrity, Empire, now running on the ground floor.
Talks & Guided Tours - SOLD OUT
Join us at the Mitchell Library for an engaging talk and guided tour exploring its rich history and remarkable collections.
Come along to hear about the library’s fascinating history, explore its beautiful spaces, and discover some of the unique collections that make it so special.
This iconic Glasgow landmark offers a unique glimpse into the city's literary and architectural heritage.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy.
Overview
The Mitchell Library, with its copper dome, is one of Glasgow’s best-known landmarks. It opened in 1877 on Ingram Street but moved to Miller Street in the 1880s due to space issues.
A large bequest in 1902 worsened the problem, leading to a new building designed by William B. Whitie in 1904.
An extension started in 1939 was delayed by the war and completed in 1963. After a fire destroyed St Andrew’s Halls in 1962, the site was used for another extension, which opened in 1981 and incorporated the original façade of the halls.
In 2006, the library began lending books. In 2007, the old theatre foyer was transformed into a modern area with public computers, a lending section, and a café.
A Business and Media section opened in 2008, focusing on digital resources. The library continued to develop and, in 2016, introduced the Let’s Talk area for study and exploring the collection.
There is paid street parking available.
There is a café on ground floor.
Entry to the old part (original building) via North Street has 5 steps and there is no lift to the upper floors. This means building tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
Address The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN
