| Administrative History | The Literary Society was first founded by five students - Alexander Smith, Rev. Lewis W. Forbes, William Bartlet, James Robertson and James Ogilvie - in 1810. It received early patronage from James Duff, 4th Earl Fife. The Society operated a library and held lectures and discussions. The Society's Library and Reading Room were located in the Banff Town House, and in 1814 a newsroom was added. The Society was funded by donations and membership subscriptions. In 1846 the Society's library was opened to readers as well as members.
[Sources: Aberdeen Press and Journal, 20 October 1819 ; Banffshire Journal and General Advertiser, 23 January 1883] |