The opening ceremony for Edinburgh Central Library took place 125 years ago on 9th June 1890. On that day the Library’s benefactor Andrew Carnegie sent a telegram in which he stated his hopes for the service that he had funded: “We trust that this Library is to grow in usefulness year after year, and prove one of the most potent agencies for the good of the people for all time to come”.

As part of Edinburgh City Libraries’ 125th anniversary celebrations Edinburgh Reads is hosting a panel session on Tuesday 9th June at 19:00 at which the future of libraries will be the main topic of discussion. I have accepted an invitation to join the panel. The other panel members are:

• Dr John Scally, National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland
• Philippa Cochrane, Head of Reader Development for the Scottish Book Trust
• Duncan Wright, Senior School Librarian at Stewart’s Melville College

If you are in Edinburgh on Tuesday 9th June and free that evening, do come along at 19:00 to the Central Library, 7-9 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG. Registration for this event is free of charge through EventBrite.