The Couper Institute was originally built by architects Campbell Douglas and James Sellars.

The library was added in 1923 by architect John Alfred Taylor Houston on the bequest of Robert Couper.

[1] The library was designed in an English Baroque style, while the earlier hall presents the Scots Renaissance tradition.

[2] Local paper mill owner Robert Couper left 'about £8000' for a library, reading room and hall to be built on the site.

[4] The library was closed during the Covid19 pandemic in 2020 and Glasgow City Council initially planned not to reopen it.