Coldside Library

The Coldside Library was first proposed by Dundee Town Council in 1901, who approached philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and asked him to provide funds for five new libraries (Arthurstone, Blackness, Blackscroft, Broughty Ferry and Coldside). Up until that point, Dundee was served by subscription libraries, with a two-tier borrowing system, where new books were reserved for those who could afford the cost of a yearly subscription, whereas working-class people had to wait a year before being able to access those collections free of charge. The new Carnegie libraries gave all library users free access to their collections regardless of their means. The Coldside Library was awarded £7,200 by…

The Coldside Library project was awarded to James Thomson in 1906 after he took over the post of Dundee City Architect, following the death of William Alexander in 1904. At that point in time, Thomson only had his own office, with no municipal staff to support him, so he enlisted help from his son Frank Drummond Thomson and his assistant William Carless (sometimes spelled Careless). Frank Thomson produced the drawings for the design of the Coldside Library and also used his contacts to engage Albert Hodge to carry out all the sculpture work. The building was completed and opened its doors on 22 October 1908. The style of the building is described as Edwardian Baroque, with a long concave…