Description of the attraction
The Mitchell Library is one of the largest public libraries in Europe, located in Glasgow, Scotland. Its funds include more than 1,300,000 items - books, maps, periodicals. The library also houses the Glasgow city archives from the 12th century.
The library is named after the tobacco king Stephen Mitchell, who bequeathed a large sum to open a public library in Glasgow. The library was opened in 1877.
The building, built for the North Street Library in 1911, has long been a hallmark of the city. The copper dome topped with a statue by Thomas Clapperton has become one of the symbols of Glasgow. The main funds of the library are kept in another building, adjacent to the main one on the west side. Once there was St. Andrews Hall, where concerts and balls were held. In 1962, it was practically destroyed by fire, but the facade survived, and after reconstruction the building was given to the library.
Now the library complex includes not only reading rooms with free Internet access, an extensive online database, a subscription department and a cafe, but also the Mitchell Theater with 418 seats.
