Wanlockhead Miners’ Library

founded 1756

Background
The Wanlockhead Miners’ Library was established ‘….for our mutual improvement’,  on the 1st November, 1756 by 32 men. The first woman was admitted in 1784. The Library was funded by subscriptions from the miners, but a contribution was also made by mining companies. The library aimed to encourage self-improvement in the miners. There was a hidden agenda, to cut down on the unruly behaviour of the miners which existed at the time!  The Duke of Buccleuch was a major patron of the Library.

The library originally started in the old school house, but as both the subscription members and the number of books in stock increased, it was necessary to move the library to a new home. A cottage was given to the members by the mine overseers.  However, in time the cottage was too small and it became necessary to build a larger building. This came into use in July 1788.  The stock of books rose to over 2,000 and again having enough space became problematic. A new library was built with money raised through voluntary subscription.  The new library was opened in January, 1851, and this is the library you can see today.

The library was neglected after the mid-1950s. Renovation of the building and care of the library collection has been the responsibility of Wanlockhead Museum Trust since 1974. The collection is recognised to be of national importance and remains as a symbol of the lead miners’ culture and education.

Our Building
The Miners’ Library is a Grade A listed building and is accessioned to the collection.

The library building is constructed with rubble-built walls and lime mortar. The exterior is lime-washed. The roof is slate. Environmental controls are in place.

Collection
The Library currently holds 2577 books as well as hand written minutes. The publication dates of the books range from 1616 to the 19th century. The topic range of books is religion 411, biography 151, geology and minerals 25, other scientific books 23, female authors 66, geography 111, fiction 105 and numerous tomes of history, poetry and songs.

Contact information
Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead, Dumfries and Galloway, ML12 6UT.

Telephone: 01659 74387 

Email: info@leadminingmuseum.co.uk

The Museum of Lead Mining is open from Easter until the end of September. The hours vary through the season. We start the season being open Wednesday until Sunday 11am until 3pm and increase to Tuesday until Sunday, 11 am until 4.30pm through the school holidays. Hours reduce again in September.

The library can be accessed throughout the year by arrangement.

The museum and library are fully accessible, although there is a bit of an incline up to the library door.

During the open season there are guided tours which include the Miners’ Library, Lochnell Mine and Straitsteps Cottages. The latter represents the domestic life of the miners and their families in the 1750s, 1850s and 1920s.

 A public tea room and gift shop in the Visitor Centre, are staffed through the season when open.  These can be opened for events outside the season by arrangement.

Website
www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk

Status
Registered charity no. SC001508