Mitchell Library

Category: Historic Building/Architectural Interest

North Street.

The Mitchell Library is Glasgow's main reference library and is one of the largest libraries in the United Kingdom. It was designed by William Whitie and opened in 1911. It is named after Stephen Mitchell (1789-1874), a rich tobacco manufacturer who left money to the city for the purpose of building a public library. Mitchell will always be recalled for his generosity, as public libraries are very important resources in a modern society. The Mitchell has a large copper dome topped with a bronze figure by Thomas J Clapperton, and a seated stone figure by the sculptor Johan Miller. The building is illuminated every night, the lighting accentuating the spectacularly rich architectural detail.