Paisley Museum and Art Gallery (Paisley)

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Paisley Musuem, when it opened in the 19th century, contained large collections of natural history and archaeological specimens contributed by members of Paisley Philosophical Institution, including Morris Young's own collection, and an unending succession of gifts. Even before the first decade was reached it became apparent that the accommodation at the museum was inadequate. When this became known to Sir Peter Coats he again offered to defray the cost of the necessary extensions. These consisted of a new museum, the rotunda, the picture and sculpture galleries and a new reference library which were formally opened by the Marquis of Bute in 1882. The Public Libraries (Scotland) Act of 1853 had enabled local authorities of more than 10,000 population to set up a public library but progress in the country was slow. Paisley as a community, however, was fortunate in the 19th century in having men of learning and culture to act as a driving-force towards the establishment of the library. Indeed, Paisley became only the third authority to adopt the Act. And a glance at the first catalogue of the reference department, printed in 1872, gives an idea of the range and depth of stock available from the beginning. The excellent service provided by the library has been greatly appreciated by generations of Buddies. The widening range of facilities offered has reflected the changing pattern of education and life. For many years the service was concentrated in the High Street but when the population spread to housing schemes away from the centre of the town, branch libraries were established.