What’s on at Innerpeffray
The Library runs events throughout the year: exhibitions from the collection, talks and workshops inspired by the Library, and music and social events to raise funds for running costs and special projects. Find all the dates for your diary and a downloadable copy of our Footnotes newsletter on this page.
If you are not able to visit us, we have a selection of videos to enjoy from your armchair on our website, bringing alive the collection with our Keeper of Books and Volunteers.
For tickets: Book online via the links given below, or tel. 01764 652819 / email info(at)innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk
Dates for Your Diary
| 1st – 31st March | Madertie Month at Innerpeffray. Tours of the library are free all month long when the library re-opens in March, in honour of our founder David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madertie, who created Scotland’s first free lending library here in 1680. You can book ahead here, or just come along to enjoy a tour. |
| Wed 1st April 7pm | Friends of Innerpeffray Library Annual General Meeting in the Schoolroom. Join us for a review of the past year followed by refreshments and a private view of the new exhibition, Signs of the Times, with the Keeper. |
| Thur 2nd April 3pm | History and High Tea at The Tower. Join our Keeper of Books, Lara Haggerty, in the comfortable environs of The Tower gastropub in the centre of Crieff for a talk on the history of the Library, accompanied by a delicious high tea. Tickets £15, available from the Tower – call 01764 650 050 to book. Ticket includes a meal, refreshments and talk. |
| Sat 30th & Sun 31st May | Exploring the Frozen South : Talk and mini-exhibition about the life and exploits of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Situated in Innerpeffray schoolroom, this exhibition affords the opportunity to view maps and texts from one of the Library’s most recent acquisitions – a pristine copy of ‘Heart of the Antarctic’. On Saturday afternoon, we are delighted to welcome Roderick Wordie – grandson of James Wordie, geologist with Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’ expedition – to give an illustrated talk inspired by extracts from his grandfather’s log. Tickets for the talk will be £12 and can be booked here. The exhibition will be free to view Saturday 10am-1pm, and Sunday 2pm-5pm. |
| Wed 1st July, 7pm | Outdoor Theatre : The Three Inch Fools present King Arthur and the Holy Fail. The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem. In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a would-be hero – waiting in the wings – who went by the name of Arthur. Saddle up – things are about to get legendary… Early Bird Tickets, strictly limited in number, are available until end April: book here via our shop. |
2026 Exhibition – Signs of the Times
Our exhibition in 2026 explores the myriad uses of signs and symbols within the books of our collection. From books on mysterious subjects such as heraldry, emblems and allegory, to the history of printers’ marks and fine decorative bindings, this exhibition will be a real visual delight.
Download our latest newsletter below:
Browse the Books : Library of Innerpeffray Catalogue Launch
Scotland’s first, free, public lending library was delighted to launch its new catalogue in 2025. Join our team and our special guests Richard Ovenden, Bodley’s Librarian, and author Sir Alexander McCall Smith for an introduction to Innerpeffray and its collections, a short guide to searching the catalogue and a chance to ask questions about the collection and the catalogue. Watch the launch recording here.
Innerpeffray’s collection includes rare books from the founding of the Library in 1680 including around 500 books from Founder’s collection and many more added in the 18th century when the new library building was established. There are novels and journals bought in the 19th century, as well as more recent additions. The catalogue will enable you to search, for the first time, the Scottish Collection of first editions donated by Janet Burns Saint Germain in 2013.
Although you can’t borrow books at Innerpeffray any more, all books in the collection and exhibitions are available to read, so please do ask if you have an interest in a particular subject. Only our very fragile books are exceptions to this and our guides are always happy to assist.
In the schoolroom
Free entry, open during usual Library opening hours. Self-service Teas, Coffees and Hot Chocolate available, and pre-loved books for sale (unstaffed, with an honesty box system). Please note the schoolroom may be closed to accommodate private bookings and events, do call to check to avoid disappointment.
Private Bookings, Weddings, Special Events
If you would like to hold a private event at the Library, Schoolroom or both please do get in touch. We are delighted to hold book launches, weddings, birthday treats and private tours outwith opening hours.