A lending collection of pictures began at the Dunedin Public Library in 1939. The period of load was initially one month at a charge of two shillings for large prints and one shilling for small ones, and was renewable. The collection began with 24 pictures of old masters and modern European painters, and grew to include Japaness and Chinese prints and paintings. A policy was later introduced of supporting local artists including Annie Baird, Tom Esplin, Patrick Hanly, Katherine Madill, Michael Smither and Robin White. 

Around 60 works from the collection were auctioned off in 1992 out of concern for their wear and tear, and also due to appreciation of their value. After the sale there were some 300 pictures remaining in the collection, but these were also eventually sold off to fund a new collection of DVDs.

Pictured: Margaret Adie