Situated between Langholm and Eskdalemuir, the library flourishes in the delightful village of Bentpath. In 1793 the owners of the Louisa Antimony mine, in nearby Jamestown, donated 23 books to the miners for 'our mutual improvement'. The miners, who were highly appreciative, then took the decision to increase the catalogue by a personal contribution of 'five shillings each man'. This was a vast sum.
Thomas Telford, the world renowned Civil Engineer, was born in the same valley. Upon his death, he bequeathed money and its interest to purchase books. These were bound in leather and tooled in gold with 'Westerkirk Library' and 'Telford Legacy'. With so many books, at least 8,000, the library needed its own home. £600 was raised by public subscription and donations from Sir Frederick Johnstone of Westerhall and the Duke of Buccleuch, Walter Montague-Douglas-Scott. In 1863 the library, designed by J. Habershon of London, moved to its current, purpose-built home. In line with the fashion of the time, it is Gothic in style.
The library remained subscription based until the 1st March 1965. In the minutes, it is recorded that the President and Chair, Mr J Beattie, needed to call an extraordinary meeting. The Inland Revenue, clarified that the library should remain exempt from income tax so long as it became a free library.
Since then, the library has been lending books to those resident in the local parishes of Westerkirk, Ewes, Eskdalemuir and Langholm. It has also been welcoming people from all over Scotland and further afield who wish to explore this unique snapshot of the lives and interests of those in this rural location over the centuries. The Trustees continue to make a small purchase of books annually, accept appropriate donations and, due to local requests, are resuming a small Children and Young Adult Section.
With its archives, its close connection and documentation relating to Thomas Telford, its witness to families and alumni who came from the valley, the library is an ideal place to browse, research and discover more about our and your heritage.
Open the first Monday in the month between 7-8pm
Open Wednesdays 1230-630pm (April to October)
Open by appointment at other times
Admission is free but donations are kindly accepted.