Arbroath Library and Angus Archives to Celebrate Reopening

Arbroath Library and Angus Archives will celebrate their reopening in October following major refurbishment works, with a special event planned for the local community.

ANGUSalive Libraries & Archives will host the celebration on Saturday 17 October, from 10am to 1pm. Visitors will have the chance to look around the refurbished building, meet the team and enjoy a morning of activities for all ages.

The event will include an official reopening, speeches and a ribbon cutting, along with a Bookbug session, the chance to meet Bookbug and photo opportunities. Families can also take part in a story and craft session inspired by Room on the Broom, while author Sandra Ireland will read an extract from one of her novels. Refreshments will also be available.

Angus Archives will mark the occasion with a special display of historical treasures, giving visitors the opportunity to see items connected to Arbroath Abbey, Brechin Cathedral, Robert Burns, Mary Queen of Scots and the Forfar Witch Trials.

The Museums & Galleries team will also have an exhibition in the Corsar Gallery, featuring works from the collection alongside the famous Brueghel paintings which are permanently displayed in the space.

The refurbishment has introduced several improvements, including a new front desk, display wall, private access pod and Learning Shop. The library continues to offer a wide range of services, including books and digital borrowing, internet access and activities for children and adults. Visitors can also access dementia friendly resources and Macmillan Cancer Support services.

The building is now also home to the new Angus Archives search room, relocated from Restenneth Priory. The search room provides access to family and local history resources, research services, digital archives and photographic collections.

Arbroath has a long library heritage, dating back to 1797 when the town’s first Subscription Library opened. In 1898, industrialist David Corsar gifted the former Academy building on Hill Terrace to Arbroath Town Council, paving the way for the opening of Arbroath Public Library.

The refurbishment brings library and archive services together in a modern setting while retaining the character and history of the building.

The Arbroath Library and Angus Archives reopening celebration takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026, from 10am to 1pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend and find out more about what the library and archives have to offer.