The AK Bell Library is the main public library for Perth and Kinross.
This bright building is a great place to relax and learn about the history and culture of Perthshire. You can explore our children’s library, grab a coffee, or use our free Wi-Fi.
Christmas and New Year
Please note that the AK Bell Library will be closed from 3pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 9.30am on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
Staff Training
Please note that the AK Bell Library will be closed on Thursday 8 January 2026, for staff training.
AK Bell Library
Key Details
Opening Times
Mon
Closed
Tues
9.30am-8pm
Weds
9.30am-5pm
Thurs
9.30am-5pm
Fri
9.30am-5pm
Sat
9.30am-4pm
Sun
Closed
Access
Free Wifi
Wheelchair Accessible
The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots
From 23 January 2026, visit the AK Bell Library to view treasures from the National Library of Scotland’s collections featuring Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead.
More
Join
Easter weekend 2025
If you live, work or study in Perth & Kinross then you can join the library service.
You can now join the library online and access the Digital Library Service by providing just a few basic details, including your email address.
Join at one of our libraries as an adult
To join at a Perth & Kinross library, visit your local library or a mobile library. You can join immediately with proof of address, or you can fill in a simple application form.
Join at one of our libraries as a child
Collect an application form from your local library and ask a parent or guardian to fill it in and sign it. We will ask to see something with the adult’s name and address on it, for example a driving licence or a rent book.
Completed application forms
Once we have your completed application, a card will be made up for you and you can start using it to borrow items straight away. You can also use your card to get a PIN for you to use the public computers or free wi-fi.
You can also use your card and PIN to access a wide variety of free online resources, including e-books and e-audio books.
Proof of identity
It is important that you bring along a proof of identity when joining at one of our libraries.
You can do this by bringing in some official documentation with your address on it. This might be, for example, an original Council Tax Bill, or a gas, electricity or telephone bill. It could also be a bank statement, or a driving licence.
The need to have proof of identity is a security measure and is intended to help us protect our stock. By protecting the stock we can ensure that there is always a good choice for you when you visit.
Libraries customer charter
Libraries Customer Charter [131kb] is our commitment to you.
Internet, Computers & Online Information
SerFree Wi-Fi, access to computers and the internet.
Connect via the People’s Network to:
- Study and learn
- Word process your CV and apply for work
- Find information on the world wide web
- Explore our e-library collection of books, magazines, music, reference and audio-books
- Send and receive email
- Prepare a presentation in power-point
- Create spread sheets and databases
- Print your work
All of our libraries provide at least one computer with a flatbed document scanner for customer use.
We currently charge 50p per page for printing in black and white and £1.80 for colour. The use of the computers and the internet is free. A full list of charges can be found here.
Accessible software
All of our libraries now have TextHELP Read & Write Gold accessibility software installed to provide assistance for anyone with reading and writing difficulties, or anyone with English as a second language.
TextHELP Read & Write Gold includes study skills tools that help with a range of tasks, for example, conducting research using the Internet, essay writing, report writing and proof reading.
A trackerball and keyboard with large keys are also available on request.
AK Bell Library Memories Group
Join our reminiscence group for a cuppa and a chat about times gone past!
This group will support those who want to meet and discuss memories with others. Each week, the group discussions will be themed and aim to invite and foster connections with new people. The group can also take part in Playlist for Life during the sessions.
The upcoming themes are as follows:
27th January – Robert Burns/Scottish Traditions
24th February – Holidays
31st March – Spring/Easter
28th April – Old Perth
26th May – St Johnstone/Football (to be confirmed)
30th June – Summer
All sessions are from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Admission: Free, but spaces are limited for the sessions. Please book by contacting the AK Bell Library on 01738 444949.
This event is supported by Memories Scotland and Playlist for Life.
AK Bell Library Board Game Group
The AK Bell Library Board Game Group is on the last Saturday of the month and is open to everyone, from teenagers to adults. A variety of games will be available to choose from, such as Carcassonne & Ticket to Ride or bring your own and help others to learn a new game. The group is free and runs from 1pm to 4pm. Attendees can either play games altogether or split into smaller groups, depending on numbers. Book a place by phoning 01738 444949.
Bookbug
Bookbug is the Scottish Book Trust’s national Early Years programme. Sessions are free, friendly, fun sessions of songs, rhymes and stories for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families and carers to enjoy together. Our sessions are suitable for ages 0+.
There are gentle songs for bouncing babies and loads of chances to move for toddlers who’ve found their feet! There are also stories and probably a few rhymes you’ll remember from your own childhood.
Bookbug at the AK Bell Library. Every Wednesday 9.45am – 10.15am. || Every Saturday 10am – 10.30am.
To book a place at our AK Bell Library sessions, please phone the library on 01738 477017 from 9.30am on Friday before the Wednesday session and from 9.30am on Wednesday before the Saturday session.
Dog Friendly Fridays & Saturdays
Eight libraries across Perth and Kinross welcome well-behaved dogs and their owners every Friday and Saturday. As part of the Dog-Friendly Perthshire initiative, Culture Perth and Kinross were the first library service in Scotland to welcome dogs into their buildings.
The Library service recognises the role that dogs play in providing support and companionship to many people across Perth and Kinross and the help they give to a number of people in social situations.
The eight libraries taking part in Dog-Friendly Fridays and Saturdays are the AK Bell Library in Perth, along with Alyth, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Comrie, Pitlochry and Scone Libraries.
All libraries taking part will be providing a bowl of water for their four-legged friends every Friday and Saturday.
Hillcrest Futures drop-in sessions
Staff from the Drug and Alcohol Services at Hillcrest Futures provide information and support to people of all ages who may be struggling with addiction.
First Tuesday of the month from 2pm to 5pm.
Starts 3rd February 2026.
Local & Family History
The local and family history collection holds published sources of information about the local area.
Reference & Information
The main reference library is in AK Bell Library and everyone is welcome to use it for reading, studying or research. The first floor is accessible by stairs or lift. Please also see our great collection of online reference resources available free to members of Perth and Kinross Libraries.
Official Information
Increasingly, official information from Government and Public Bodies is being made available on the Internet and library customers are able to access this information on our People’s Network computers. We also hold a host of official information in print, including collections of Scottish and UK parliamentary publications, council meeting minutes and general information on EU matters. In addition to these we also hold the Electoral Roll for Perth and Kinross. Please note that customers must come in to view the Electoral Roll – information cannot be given out over the phone or via the internet.
Stay, Play, Read at the AK Bell Library
Looking for something to do on a cold wet Saturday afternoon?
Our Stay, Play, Read sessions will take place every Saturday from 1.30pm – 3.30pm in the children’s area of the AK Bell Library.
Children and families will be able to explore our book collections in our beautiful children’s area, with colourful seats and bean bags for relaxed reading and a selection of toys (building blocks, Jenga, a train set, and a toy kitchen) to keep the wee ones engaged and entertained.
Our Saturday sessions aim to encourage children to familiarise themselves, have fun in their local library, and provide families with an opportunity to make connections and build a peer support network.
All children must be supervised by an adult.
Venue Hire
Whatever your event is we have comfortable and functional venues for hire situated in the centre of Perth.
