Scotland’s first public library dedicated to photography has been created with help from SLIC’s Innovation and Development Fund.
The Stills Centre for Photography in Edinburgh developed its existing reference library into an accessible public library specialising in Scottish photography. The new lending resource is now the largest of its kind in Scotland.
The project was made possible through SLIC’s Innovation and Development Fund which supports pioneering library projects throughout Scotland.
Connie Leroux, Library Coordinator at the Stills Centre for Photography, explained: “Receiving the funding from SLIC has been great and has given us a way to build upon and extend our collection.
“Stills was originally set up in 1977 and over the years has accumulated over 2000 books as well as organising many exhibitions and events. By giving open access, we have developed our reference library into a specialist hub for Scottish photography – establishing our library as a comprehensive and accessible public collection of books.”
A Rich History
SLIC funding has helped the charity to digitise their rich history and exhibition archives, expand research of Scottish photographers and Scottish photography and acquire more books focusing on critical writing and photobooks to fill gaps in their current collection.
The Stills Centre for Photography now hopes the project will initiate further collaborations with existing and new partners including local schools, art organisations, colleges, independent researchers and art historians.
Connie said: “Being able to digitise all the Stills’ exhibition catalogues and make them available online really has highlighted just how well travelled some of these exhibitions were – both throughout the UK and internationally.
“We’re also continually expanding the collection through collaborations with more photographers and recently received a donation from pinhole photographer Justin Quinnell.
“We are keen to get the message out there that we are a public library, and you can register with us as a member. Only the other day we had a school from Bonnyrigg in Midlothian in for a visit and they were able to use the library and tour other facilities like our dark rooms. It really helped them with their coursework.”
Members of the public can register with the Stills Library by visiting in person or by emailing the library team. You can also browse the online catalogue via their website and reserve books you wish to borrow.
As well as opening access, the new public library is also highlighting the integral role libraries in Scotland’s information sector play in distributing specialised knowledge and contributing to Scotland’s cultural enrichment.
Connie added: “We have had lots of people come in to register and use the library from students to members of the public with an interest in photography. It’s great they can walk in and spend as much time in the library as they like.
“People also like to have online digital access and we’ve been able to give them that. The digitising process is still ongoing, but the beauty is that we can now add to it as we gear up for our 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027.”
You can find out more about the Stills Centre for Photography and their library by visiting their website or their Instagram.
