Scottish Poetry Library
{{Short description|Library in Edinburgh, Scotland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
The Scottish Poetry Library is a public library with charitable status specialising in contemporary Scottish writing in English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic. The library, which is free to join for UK residents, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. The SPL houses a borrowing and reference collection of books, pamphlets and audio material. Visitors are welcome to browse the shelves and have a relaxing read in the library.
History and status
The library was founded in 1984 by poet Tessa Ransford. Tom Hubbard was its first librarian. The present Director, Asif Khan, was appointed from June 2016.{{Cite web |date=7 March 2016 |title=Asif Khan to move to Scottish Poetry Library |url=https://www.bristol247.com/culture/books/bristols-asif-khan-named-director/ |website=Bristol 247}} Khan is supported by a team of librarians and specialist staff with expertise in collections management, special projects, learning, events and communications.{{Cite web|title=Our people|url=https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/about/our-people/|access-date=2021-03-18|website=Scottish Poetry Library|language=en-GB}}
The SPL is a limited company with charitable status. From November 2023, its Board was co-Chaired by Claudia Daventry and Charlie Roy. The SPL has status as a Creative Scotland Regularly Funded Organisation (RFO) with a remit to support audience development, literacy through reader development and creative writing classes with diverse groups, schools and public libraries, and to promote opportunities for writers and performers for showcasing their talents at home and abroad.
The building
Since 1999, the library has been based at 5 Crichton's Close, just off the Canongate in Edinburgh's Old Town. The library building was designed by Malcolm Fraser Architects, and was shortlisted for Channel 4's "Building of the Year" in 2000.{{cite web|url=http://www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk/scottish_poetry_library.htm|title=Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh|publisher=edinburgharchitecture.co.uk|access-date=27 April 2008}} It has been described as "a poem in glass and stone",{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofliterature.com/ecol.aspx?sec=3&pid=164|title=Scottish Poetry Library|publisher=Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature website|access-date=30 April 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015195852/http://www.cityofliterature.com/ecol.aspx?sec=3&pid=164|archive-date=15 October 2007|df=dmy-all}} and was included in Prospect magazine's 2005 list of the 100 best modern Scottish buildings.{{Cite report|url=https://www.historicenvironment.scot/archives-and-research/publications/publication/?publicationId=9b50b83c-1e60-4831-bc81-a60500ac5b29|title=New Design in Historic Settings|date=2 May 2016|publisher=Historic Environment Scotland|page=17|access-date=23 January 2018}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
{{Libraries in Scotland}}
{{Edinburgh}}
{{Culture and leisure facilities in Edinburgh}}
{{Authority control}}
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Category:Academic libraries in Scotland
Category:Libraries in Edinburgh
Category:Tourist attractions in Edinburgh
Category:1984 establishments in Scotland
Category:Library buildings completed in 1999