A novel gift for library

Mystery artist leaves stunning book sculpture in Central Library lending area

Edinburgh’s Central Library has been drawn in to a thrilling mystery which is intriguing the literary world.

The library has been given an exquisite book sculpture, the latest in a series left by a mysterious benefactor at centres of reading and learning around the city.

The intricately crafted magnifying glass, fashioned from the pages of books, was left in the lending library area in August.

It is inscribed with a quote by the Scottish poet Edwin Morgan: “When I go in I want it bright, I want to catch whatever is there in full sight.”

It also bears a gift tag thanking the library for its support of literature and signs off “libraries are expensive” but with the second “e” in expensive crossed out to read expansive.

The other venues to receive a sculpture include the Scottish Storytelling Centre, National Library of Scotland and City of Literature (based at the Central Library and partly funded by the Council).

The sculpture was left during the busy lunchtime period and discovered on a wooden display shelf by library assistant Kirsty Naysmith.

The library has decided to leave the work of art where it was found but has given it a plastic cover for added protection.

Library development officer Hil Williamson said staff were absolutely delighted with the gift.

“We play a pivotal role in Edinburgh’s library services and it is important to us that we are included in that umbrella of literature and learning.

“I’d love to thank the artist in person, but it is more intriguing that he or she chooses to keep a low profile.

“It runs counter to our personality culture when somebody chooses not to promote themselves, but to instead promote reading, learning, books and libraries.”

The gift is another chapter in what Hil describes as the “heart-warming” history of the Central Library.

The city was one of the last in Scotland to open a public lending library, as it was considered to be already well-served by literary facilities.

After a long campaign, the library was eventually funded by 19th-century philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Today it remains as popular as ever and actively fosters the next generation of readers through events like the Bookbug for babies and Libraries4U for teenagers.