Coldside Library

Bright, dry but chilly day.

We went to church this morning and although there were quite a number away we had an excellent service. We had a lovely moment at the end when one of our number, whose 60th birthday was today, was presented with a plant and a cake.

Later in the afternoon we went down to take a blip of Coldside Library, which we often pass on our way to the Hospital. I was struck by the architecture the first time I saw it and had it in mind as a blip one day.

The library, which is situated in northern Dundee, is a novel variation from the classical norm, with its long single storey curved frontage finished with elaborate end bays.
James Thomson, who had been appointed City Architect in 1904, designed all of Dundee's Carnegie libraries with the exception of Arthurstone which had been started by his predecessor. Thomson thought that neo-classicism was the correct style to maintain civic dignity, and he used a unique interpretation of his ideas with Coldside library.

Thomson was also an early pioneer of town planning and the modern thinking about cities that accompanied the new century. He had idealistic views about leaving beautiful planned cities for future generations. His libraries and other public buildings went some way towards achieving a planned order in early twentieth century industrial Dundee.

The site to build the library was donated by Charles Barrie, a former Lord Provost of the city, whose family home had previously occupied the site. When the library was officially opened on 22nd October 1908, Barrie was asked to perform the opening ceremony, which was also attended by Hew Morrison representing Andrew Carnegie.

The Library also hosts Literary events and later in the month we shall go and hear Brian Taylor, BBC Scotland political journalist, speaking on 'the Book that changed my life'.

I intend to have a very restful week, reading and blipping, hoping that I shall be fully recovered in a week or so.