Centuries old library is hot topic at free talk
Among Scotland’s many achievements is the creation of the world’s oldest subscription library for working people.
Leadhills Heritage Trust chair, Dr John Crawford shares how this learning resource, developed by Leadhills Miners nearly 300 years ago, is operational today.
Enjoy this free talk, on behalf of the University of the 3rd Age, on Thursday 7 April. Doors open 1.30pm for a 2pm start in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley.
Alternatively, watch via a Zoom link from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Kathy O’Donnell, u3a chair, said:“Having access to books and reading is something we take for granted today.
“However, centuries ago working people did not have the same opportunities to learn from and study books first hand.
“The creation of the Leadhills Miners’Library helped so many people to better their knowledge and their working lives.
“We will enjoy hearing how it began and how it assisted ordinary people.’
Speaker, Dr John Crawford said:“Scotland has historic traditions of library provision which are of world class importance.
“Leadhills was a pioneer in publicly available library provision, and its activities were informed by an early form of lifelong learning called mutual improvement.
“It was an idea which subsequently spread all over Scotland and was particularly influential in Paisley.
“Leadhills Miners’Library made skills development possible for ordinary people, an idea which continues today in modern public libraries.”
For details of local u3a activities and groups, visit https://u3asites.org.uk/ paisley/welcome