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Innerpeffray Library, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 3RF

Scotland's first free Public Lending Library

Apart from the family books of Lord Madertie and the Archbishop of York, the Hay Drummond family gave generously up until 1924, when the strong connection between that family and the Library ended. The Trustees of the Library governing body also purchased volumes for the Library, and local people and organisations have donated much to the collection.

Several 'Montrose' books are included in the 3,800 books in the catalogue, printed between 1502 and 1920. Astrology, demonology, chiromancy, spiritualism, war, politics, law, agriculture, horticulture, natural history, history and literature are just some of the countless subjects covered by the collection. There are splendid bibles dating from 1530, including Montrose's own pocket bible, as well as some intriguing miniature bibles, each smaller than a matchbox.

A Borrowers Ledger kept from 1747 through to 1968, contains a day to day record of the books and their borrowers, providing a fascinating insight into the reading tastes and interests of the local people.

The first entry of 'June ye 5th 1747', records that James Sharp received 'The Life and Death of the Twelve Apostles which I oblige me to deliver in three months after this date under the penalty of ten shilling', a huge sum of money as a fine.

Amongst the titles may be found many rare and interesting volumes, including:-
"Chronicles of England, Scotlande & Irelande",
Raphael Holinshed, London 1577.
Shakespeare's source book for his British historical plays, including Macbeth

.
The Witches from Holinshed's Chronicles

The Lyon

The Camel

The Rhinoceros

From the
"Historie of foure footed beastes"
Edward Topsell, London 1607.