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Dumfries' Ewart Library reopens after restoration work

Jamie Russell
BBC Scotland News
Reporting fromEwart Library, Dumfries
The entire front of the Ewart Public Library from the corner. It's a large red sandstone building with ornate victorian detailing.
An image from a flower bed looking up at the entrance of the Ewart and its bronze ornate gates
The Ewart was once the only library in Dumfries
It was designed by Alan Burgess Crombie, who was from a family of Dumfries-based architects

The historic main library in Dumfries has officially reopened following months of restoration work.

Work at the Ewart Library was designed to modernise facilities while uncovering original Victorian features of the structure.

The Ewart closed in January to make time for "careful restoration" work, which revealed a mosaic floor and burnt-orange wall tiles.

Local people from across the area attended the grand opening which featured a Ewart Library branded cake and balloons.

The council said refurbishment at the Ewart focused on "maintaining and celebrating the building's heritage while bringing in modern elements to enhance the visitor experience."

Work included "careful restoration" of original windows, mosaic flooring and foyer tiles.

New artwork and history boards were also installed telling the library's story.

But the building also saw modern upgrades to lighting, improved digital facilities and better accessibility.

White fan mosaic with green, blue and red edges
Mosaic flooring was uncovered after felt carpet installed in the 80s was dug up

The building was designed in 1899 by Alan Burgess Crombie, who was from a family of Dumfries-based architects.

Crombie also designed other famous landmarks in the town, like Loreburn Hall and Rosefield Mills.

Construction of the library took five years; the large stained-glass window above the bifurcated foyer staircase was an original feature.

George Shirely, the building's first librarian, also found the Guid Nychburris festival, that celebrated it's 90th anniversairy in 2022.

Councillor Little looking up at the windows
The stained-glass window is a centrepiece of the restoration

Councillor Tracey Little - Dumfries Provost and self-proclaimed library "shoosh-er" - attended the celebrations.

"I love this building," Ms Little said.

"This used to be the only library in the whole of Dumfries. Any school holidays, I'd spend whole days in here.

"I'm really happy when I walked in I didn't see a different building inside. It's modernied, as in technology wise, it's modernised to make it more accessible. But it doesnt look modernised - the heritage is there."

Ms Little said the funding in the library wasn't just an investment in a building, but in the Doonhamers it serves.

"If you're a job seeker you come here, and it's a safe place for children to come and learn and have fun - for all of us they're sanctuaries," she said.