Langholm Library Trust

Langholm Library Trust Originally formed in 1800, the Langholm Library is now a reference and local studies collection under the control of the Langholm Library Trust.

The Langholm Library was founded in 1800. It was a subscription library as was the custom at that time and members paid an annual subscription to pay for the running cost and to buy books. In 1834, the library received a bequest from the Estate of Thomas Telford, who was born at Glendinning and received his schooling at Westerkirk. Telford was the leading civil engineer of the day, and responsible

for a great many building works, including roads, bridges, canals aqueducts, harbours, fen land drainage, public buildings and churches around Britain and abroad. He never married and his will made bequests to many individuals most of whom he had met and worked with during his career. To the Langholm Library he left £1,000, the capital to be invested and the interest used for buying books. In 1853 the Langholm Library absorbed the Langholm Trades Library (founded in 1813). Since 1974, it has been a reference and local studies collection under the control of the Langholm Library Trust. Today the collection consists of some 5000 volumes including some items published in the 1800 century and many books of local interest. There is also and important collection of books formerly belonging to Hugh MacDiarmid, many bearing his autograph.

We are delighted to have been involved with the exhibition and hope you can go along and see some wonderful common ridin...
16/07/2026

We are delighted to have been involved with the exhibition and hope you can go along and see some wonderful common riding history!

🏇✨ Step back in time and discover the story of one of Eskdale's most treasured traditions. ✨🏇

The Eskdale Experience is delighted to present its first exhibition celebrating the rich history, people and traditions of Langholm Common Riding.

📍 Old Post Office, Market Place, Langholm, DG13 0JQ
📅 18th July – 30th July
🕙 Monday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm
🕙 Sunday: 10am – 2pm
🎟️ FREE Admission (Donations gratefully received.)

Explore fascinating photographs, stories and memories that capture the spirit of this unique tradition and celebrate the people who have helped keep it alive for generations.

A huge thank you to The Stevenson Trust, Arthur Bell Trust, Bowman Little Trust, Stoneypath Trust and The Ainslie Charitable Trust for supporting this exhibition.

We look forward to welcoming you! 😊

Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?

CAN YOU STUMP THE ARCHIVE TEAM?Langholm Library Trust – Monthly Archive ChallengeHave a Langholm mystery for us?A buildi...
27/02/2026

CAN YOU STUMP THE ARCHIVE TEAM?
Langholm Library Trust – Monthly Archive Challenge

Have a Langholm mystery for us?
A building with a hidden story?
A local character who’s been forgotten?
A curious old headline?
A tale passed down through generations?

Send us your challenge!
We’ll search valuation rolls, old newspapers, photographs, and local history books to uncover the story — then reveal our findings here.

Comment below or message us with your mystery by mid March.
Let’s explore Langholm’s past — one mystery at a time.

Sherlock Holmes and the Canonbie connectionThe character of Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, was based on...
27/02/2026

Sherlock Holmes and the Canonbie connection

The character of Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, was based on Dr Joseph Bell (1837-1911), an Edinburgh surgeon descended directly from Canonbie farmer George Bell (1722-1813).

George was initially a merchant in the Middle East trade, then succeeded his father at Woodhouselees farm, a mile south of Canonbie and next to the border with England. He and his son James were noted in statistical accounts for using innovative techniques which improved the farm considerably.

George’s eldest surviving of fifteen children, Benjamin (1749-1806), is sometimes described as ‘the first Scottish scientific surgeon’. In later life, Benjamin also tried farming near Edinburgh, asking advice from his father.

Benjamin’s great-grandson Dr Joseph Bell appointed Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) as his clerk at Edinburgh Medical School. Doyle was fascinated by Dr Bell’s remarkable powers of observation and diagnosis.

Doyle, an aspiring author, sent a manuscript for an early Sherlock Holmes story to Edinburgh-born Robert Louis Stevenson who replied, ‘can this be my old friend Joe Bell?’

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Library Buildings, High Street
Langholm
DG130DJ

Opening Hours

10am - 12pm

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