Leighton Library, Dunblane | Home Welcome to Dunblane's historic Leighton Library Patron The Rt Hon. the Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT The Leighton Library is open from 1 April 2026 until the end of October, Monday-Saturday 11am-4pm. Free admission (donations invited). If you would like to arrange a tour of the Leighton Library for a group at other times, then get in touch with Visits Co-ordinator Alastair MacDonald by clicking here "So educational and fascinating." DS, Brooklyn, NY "Really interesting experience - thank you so much." SI, Blantyre "Fantastic. Really interesting." IG, Edinburgh "Just brilliant! What a find - so interesting." MM, Montrose "Wonderful library. Thank you so much." EB, Hebden Bridge "Very special place - a treasure trove." MQ, Grangemouth "What a wonderful gem - fascinating." C S, Lake District Fascinating place, and well worth a visit The Leighton Library, the oldest purpose-built independent library in Scotland founded on the collection of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane, 1661-1670, later Archbishop of Glasgow, 1670-1674. In his will, Leighton left a sum of money for the building of the library for use by the clergy of Dunblane diocese. Where is the Leighton Library? The library is just a few steps from Dunblane Cathedral, Dunblane Museum and Sir Andy Murray's Golden Postbox. Click here for information about how to find us The library was built in part from fallen stone from the nearby ruined Bishop's Palace. The total cost of the library was £162 2/6d. Leighton had retired to Sussex, to live with his sister and nephew. He died in London, and his books were transported by horse and cart and by sea before being installed in the completed library. The building is a two storey construction with the books situated in a single room on the first floor accessed by the original external staircase. The lower floor, or undercroft, originally functioned as the living quarters for the first librarian. What's in the Leighton Library? The library originally housed the books bequeathed to it by Robert Leighton, numbering around 1400. The first floor consists of a single room lined with presses. The original presses, on the left as you enter, hold Leighton’s books. These have been added to over the years so that the library now houses around 4,700 volumes with 15 languages represented within the books, including Greek, Persian, Syrian and Gaelic. Still to be seen in the library are "chairs of turkie red lether", part of the original bequest. Under the guidance of volunteer custodians, visitors are allowed carefully to handle and inspect volumes from this collection. We hope that you will enjoy your visit both to this website and to the fascinating collection and building of the Leighton Library. Click here to find out more about the books within the Leighton Library Opening times The Leighton Library is open from 1 April 2026 until October, Monday to Saturday 11am-4pm. Free admission (donations invited). In November, the Leighton Library is open only on Saturdays (11am-4pm) If you would like to arrange a tour of the Leighton Library for a group at other times, then get in touch with Visits Co-ordinator Alastair MacDonald by clicking on this link In addition the library is regularly included in Stirling Council Doors Open Weekends in September each year. Leighton Library interior Some of the earliest books in the Leighton Library What a magnificently historically relevant collection. So wonderful! All thanks to those who preserve this wonderful heritage Never seen a place so beautiful as this library. Thank you for all the information and your kindness This is the first time I have visited, but I am so glad I did. What a fabulous resource. Wonderful collection and a great bequest by the Bishop. Thanks for such a warm welcome. What a fabulous place to stumble on. My daughter and I could have stayed all day. Having the opportunity to read Rousseau’s ‘Emile’ – wow! Magnetising time travel with world class, amazing and knowledgeable people - thank you Our favourite spot in Scotland so far! Loved seeing the Machiavelli We had fun following the Lego minifigure trail. Online Shop Please use the Donate button above to donate using Paypal, Debit or Credit Card, and contact the Clerk/Treasurer Chris Onslow so that your donation can be acknowledged. Digital Guide News 18 Mar 26 👷Work starts on the Undercroft 19 Feb 26 Volunteer Opportunity: Fundraising Volunteer for Leighton Library 11 Feb 26 📰🗞️ Issue Number 11 of Leighton Letter newsletter now available What's On Jul 26 Leighton Library special exhibition in Dunblane Museum for July Site Search Site Search