Peebles Library, Museum and Gallery Temporary Closure

Peebles Library, Museum and Gallery at the Chambers Institution will be temporarily closing to the public for a period of important decant and refurbishment works.

Effective from Monday 13^th April 2026 until the end of 2027.

Alternative service provision for Peebles will begin again on Monday 27^th April 2026 following completion of decant and office moves.

Thereafter the library/museum staff team will be based at Eddleston Primary School- staff contact telephone and email details will remain the same in interim.

Public access to the temporary Eddleston office will be by appointment – by emailing enquiries@liveborders.org.uk

Updates will be posted on Live Borders website and social media, regarding new arrangements for resuming public access to library services with effect from  27 April 2026-

including: Peoples’ Network online access, mobile library service, Bookbug and activities at the Burgh Hall Peebles.

In the interim- Library members may return or borrow books from any Live Borders library/scheduled mobile library visiting point,

Or alternatively,  retain books to return during week commencing 27 April 2026.

(Email enquiries to: libadmin@liveborders1.org.uk  or telephone Live Borders Libraries HQ : 01750 726400)

Temporary office move

The Peebles Library, Museum and Gallery staff office will be closing to allow decant removals into temporary accommodation at:

Eddleston Primary School
Burnside
Eddleston
EH45 8RH

This decant period will also include the relocation of the Tweeddale museum and art collections from Peebles stores to temporary storage in Eddleston, allowing refurbishment works to move ahead during 2026 and 2027. Please note any visits to the new site will be by appointment only while the team settle in to their new premises. To arrange an appointment with a specific member of the library, museum or gallery staff team, please call 01750 726400, or email libraries@liveborders1.org.uk.

Public computer access, printing and photocopying

During the closure of Peebles Library and Museum customers can continue to access computer, printing and photocopying services at:

• Innerleithen Library

• Galashiels Library

People’s Network public computers are available on a first come, first served basis, and do not need to be booked in advance.

Alternative library service arrangements

Mobile Library service in Tweeddale

During the closure of Peebles Library Live Borders will provide a wrap-around service through the Live Borders Mobile Library Van, offering regular stops in Peebles and Eddleston alongside additional community routes across Tweeddale.  We will review this regularly throughout the period, as we aim to meet our communities needs.  If you would like to give us any feedback on this, please email enquiries@liveborders.org.uk

Regular mobile library stops (Spring/Summer 2026)

Eddleston Primary School
Every Monday, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Start date TBC

Gytes Leisure Centre, Walkershaugh, Peebles, EH45 8GL
Every Tuesday, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Start date TBC

Every Friday, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Start date TBC

Additional community mobile library route – Tuesdays

The mobile library will also visit a number of communities across Tweeddale on the following dates:

17 March, 14 April, 12 May, 26 May, 9 June, 23 June and 7 July 2026

• Stobo Kirk – 09:45 to 09:55
• Drumelzier Main Street – 10:05 to 10:15
• Tweedsmuir, The Wee Crook – 10:25 to 10:50
• Tweedsmuir Crossroads – 10:55 to 11:10
• Broughton, Hawdene Area – 11:30 to 11:40
• Broughton Village Hall – 11:45 to 12:15
• Skirling Village Hall – 13:00 to 13:15
• Blyth Bridge, Tarth Crescent – 13:25 to 13:40
• Romanno Bridge, School Area – 13:45 to 14:00
• Peebles, Rose Park – 14:30 to 15:00
• Walkerburn, Park Avenue – 15:20 to 15:35

Additional community mobile library route – Wednesdays

Additional stops will also be available on the following dates:

18 March, 15 April, 13 May, 27 May, 10 June, 24 June and 8 July 2026

• Carlops Village Hall – 10:00 to 10:30
• West Linton, Robinsland Drive – 10:40 to 10:55
• West Linton Health Centre – 11:00 to 11:30
• West Linton, Lyne Park – 11:35 to 12:00
• West Linton, Broomlee Court – 12:05 to 12:30
• West Linton, Ironstone Cottage – 12:40 to 12:50
• West Linton, Lamancha Hub – 12:55 to 13:15
• Eddleston, Station Road – 14:00 to 14:10
• Eddleston, Glebe Car Park – 14:15 to 14:30
• Cardrona, St Brydes Way – 14:50 to 15:20
• Cardrona, Station Court – 15:25 to 15:35
• Traquair Cemetery – 15:55 to 16:10

About the Chambers Institution refurbishment project

The temporary closure of Peebles Library, Museum and Gallery forms part of the wider Chambers Institution Development Plan 2026.

In 2023, the UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities awarded over £22 million to Dumfries and Galloway Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Borders Council to develop the joint Three Rivers Active Tourism Project.

The Chambers Institution project was Scottish Borders Council’s focus within this wider regeneration and refurbishment programme and builds on earlier feasibility work and public consultation led by the Scottish Historic Building Trust.

The aim of the project is to protect and enhance the Chambers Institution as a historic building of significance, a visitor attraction, the cultural heart of the community, and an improved hub for heritage, community and partner services.

The planned improvements include better access throughout the building, the installation of a new lift to all floors, refurbishment works to accommodate a wider range of services, improved presentation of heritage and art collection highlights, and enhanced facilities for tenants and partners including Citizens’ Advice, Go Tweedvalley and Live Borders.

This project represents an important opportunity to deliver a transformational development in the centre of Peebles. The work has already unlocked over £4.6 million in funding and will help revitalise an iconic local asset.

When Phase 1 of the refurbishment is completed in December 2027, the Chambers Institution is expected to become a flagship facility within the Scottish Borders, benefiting local people, community partners across Tweeddale, and visitors exploring the area.

Latest press release about Peebles Library, Museum and Gallery – read HERE