In 1785 a subscription library for learned men was formed.

From 1734 the library became one of the first subscription libraries in Scotland.

The subscription libraries had reading rooms only in downtown Portland.

This type of subscription library brought access to books for the residents who paid to become a member.

During this time, Black read extensively from the local subscription library and began a book collection that would become a major preoccupation of his life.

Like other subscription libraries at the time, members paid a membership fee to access the collection.

These were the perfect books for commercial subscription libraries to lend.

Another factor in the growth of subscription libraries was the increasing cost of books.

These early subscription libraries, often in their listed buildings, were not the only ones used by the public.

Financial difficulties continued, and by 1869 the subscription library was in serious debt.