Dunfermline Carnegie Library

Grizzled 19th century benefactor Andrew Carnegie really put his stamp on buildings all over his birthplace of Dunfermline before causing ripples across the Atlantic, and this - the first ever Carnegie Library - is probably one of the town's most beloved testaments to his success. A Grade-B listed building, the Library opened in 1883 and retains much of its original architectural splendour, whilst the technological facilities and various collections reflect more contemporary tastes. With cavernous ceilings, heavy wooden bookshelves, ornate study tables and glorious paned windows, one could easily while away an afternoon just in the main library. It is however, also worth noting that Carnegie houses a designated childrens' library, extensive community and family history archives, and regularly plays host to literary exhibitions, story-telling events and writing workshops.