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One of the largest public reference libraries in Europe.

The Mitchell is named after Stephen Mitchell, a wealthy tobacco manufacturer. When he died in 1874, he left almost £70,OOO to build and stock a public reference library for the people of Glasgow.                                                                                                                                 Since its opening in 1877, The Mitchell has grown into one of Europe's largest public reference libraries with a book stock of 1.3 million books, 35,000 maps and thousands of photographs, newspapers and microfilms.

In 2007 The Mitchell has been redeveloped to meet the needs of  today's library users and includes public access to 50 PCs, The Herald café/bar and 'Leisure and Lifestyle' - where you can borrow books, CDs and DVDs. 

School classes can visit the world-famous Mitchell for a range of tours and visits, including a 'behind the scenes' tour. Pupils can also find out how to make the most of the information in The Mitchell and learn more about Glasgow's history by visiting The Mitchell's Archives department.

Please note that there are a limited number of tour dates available, and you may have to book well in advance.