Set in the heart of Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter, beside the Abbey, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries brings together rich history and modern event spaces. Home to the world’s first Carnegie Library, the building offers a unique sense of place, with rooms that blend original features and contemporary facilities—from the impressive Canmore Hall to the characterful Queen Margaret Room and smaller flexible spaces. Suitable for everything from meetings and training to larger events and banquets, it provides a memorable setting rooted in heritage. Explore the spaces below and get in touch to find out more.
Historic charm with modern equipment
From The Canmore’s bright and airy space and awesome acoustics to the Queen Margaret room, formerly the reference library, and its melding of historic charm with modern equipment, whether you’re hosting a board meeting or a banquet, there’s a room that’s the perfect venue.
The Bruce, a modern room ideal for smaller meetings and training, and the Queen Anne – a contemporary, creative space with its own breakout area – complete the Carnegie’s offerings.
Get in touch today and let us show you how your event can play a part in the next chapter of the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries’ story. Take a look around the individual spaces below.
Our spaces
Queen Margaret room
Formally the reference library which used to house the Muirson Burns Collection, the room retains its natural charm and character, complete with a statue of Robert Burns and his dog. It is decorated with a collection of panelled images showcasing some of the ornate spines from rare books, old maps and sepia images of Dunfermline which are retained in our collection. To complete the traditional feel of this room is an impressive carved oak buffet (c. 1860-1890). This impressive piece of craftmanship is believed to have been part of the collection of Joseph Neil Paton, father of Sir Noel Paton, Dunfermline born artist and favourite artist of Queen Victoria. The ornate panels decorating the buffet represent three national heroes, Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and St Margaret, Queen of King Malcolm Canmore. The eagle eyed will spot Robert the Bruce’s spider has been included in its meticulous design.
Capacity: theatre 50, dinner 40, cabaret 32, reception 50
Perfect for: boardroom style meetings & intimate dinners
Features: natural daylight, black out facilities, screen and projector, power available 13amp sockets & Wi-Fi. The Canmore Room can be entered via the connecting door
Our spaces
Canmore room
The Canmore Room is a flexible events space flooded with natural light, a bookcase lined wall, ornamental fireplace and a high vaulted ceiling. Boasts excellent acoustics creating the perfect backdrop for your event. Formally used as the reference library, this atmospheric room showcases a large painting commissioned by Andrew Carnegie and painted by Charles Martin Hardie which shows ownership of Pittencrieff Park being transferred to the town on 21st November 1903.
Capacity: theatre 130, dinner 100, cabaret 80, reception 120
Perfect for: conferences, meetings, dinners, lunches, drinks receptions, weddings
Features: natural day light, screen & projector, power available 13amp sockets, Wi-Fi
Our spaces
Queen Anne room
Contemporary creative space with its own breakout lounge. The space is bright and airy and is ideal for relaxed meetings and gatherings.
Capacity: theatre 20, boardroom 16, reception 20
Perfect for: small meetings, breakout room and team training.
Features: natural day light, Wi-Fi, power available 13amp sockets
Our spaces
Bruce room
Located in the recently refurbished museum building. Modern, bright and flexible space suitable for smaller gatherings.
Capacity: theatre 20, boardroom 16
Perfect for: small meetings & team training
Features: natural day light, Wi-Fi, power available 13amp sockets
A bit more about our spaces
Accessibility
We have a wheelchair accessible elevator and a Changing Places facility, along with accessible toilets on each floor.