[1] The initial drawings for the building were created at a different site near the Well Park in Greenock by William Burn but were not followed through, instead the drawings of Sir Edward Blore, who built the front wing of Buckingham Palace, were used.

[2] Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey sculpted the impressive marble statue of James Watt which is on permanent display inside the Library.

This opening was timed to coincide with the year of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the death of James Watt after whom the library is named.

[4] In 2012, a rare book collection was discovered in a cupboard hidden by a plan chest by the former Watt Library Archivist.

[5] The collection included volumes on surgery, witchcraft and exploration dating from the 17th and 18th century.