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Library and Information History Group and Scottish Centre for the Book Evening Seminar Wednesday 13th May 2009 at 6pm B2, Merchiston Library, Merchiston Campus, Edinburgh Napier University. Evening talk by Dr Keith Manley, Institute of English Studies, London. With discussion over wine Broadening readership: subscription libraries and mechanics' institutes in early 19th century Scotland Scotland in the late 18th century was in the vanguard of book provision for the working classes. This talk will look at how a number of small subscription libraries for workers sprang up in Scotland in the 18th and early 19th centuries, preceding similar libraries in England, and eventually leading the way to mechanics' institutes. A special case study will be made of the Greenock Mechanics Library & Institution to show its development from a library with lecture room attached to chess club with swimming pool attached. Interested parties will also have the opportunity to tour the Edward Clark Collection. The Edward Clark Collection consists of around 5000 items illustrating the development of the book from the 15th century. More specifically, it concentrates on the development of typography, the techniques of printing illustrations, and fine bindings. For further information about this event please contact Sarah Bromage, LIHG Publicity Officer at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> For directions to the Merchiston campus please visit http://www.napier.ac.uk/aboutus/Maps/Pages/Merchiston.aspx