The provision of libraries is a statutory function of local authorities. Legislation began with the Public Libraries (Scotland) Act 1853. The Education (Scotland ) Act 1918 extended library provision to rural areas. Falkirk’s public library was opened in 1903 while Grangemouth’s Victoria Public Library was opened in 1886 and Denny & Dunipace had a library by the 1920s. In 1975 at local government re-organisation, the various burgh and county branch libraries were brought together in the Department of Libraries and Museums, and in 1989 libraries became a section of Leisure Services (as did museums). At local government re-organisation in 1996, Falkirk Libraries were a section of Community Services (within Culture & Life Long Learning).