Fife's biggest and busiest library is situated in the historic part of Dunfermline, close to Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. It opened on 29 August 1883, making it the first Carnegie library in the world. A Category B listed building designed in the classic Tudor style, Dunfermline Carnegie Library retains many of its original interesting architectural features eg gargoyles, carvings and a traditional wrought iron balustrade.

One of a network of community libraries operated by Fife Library Services, Dunfermline Carnegie Library offers: a broad range of books suitable for all tastes and ages, including large print books and audio books; over 5,000 music CDs to meet all leisure, learning and information needs; a children's section; specially-selected materials for teenagers; a reference and information service; community information; 23 public-access computers with Internet, Microsoft Office and E-mail software, and online information and learning tools; a range of daily and weekly newspapers in traditional and/or electronic format; public toilets; and photocopier for public use.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library holds the main Family History and Local History Collection for West Area Libraries. Census Records, Old Parish Records and old Newspapers can be consulted by members of the public, most of these are in Microfilm format. It also houses two important special collections - the Murison Burns Collection and the George Reid Medieval Manuscript Collection.

The Murison Burns Collection was collected by John Murison and presented to the Library in 1921. A major part of the collection consists of the 1,500 or so books which Murison gathered during his lifetime, ranging from the modestly produced first edition of Burns poems, published in Kilmarnock in 1786, to the lavish editions issued in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Prints, pottery and other relics also feature in the collection.

The George Reid Manuscript Collection was assembled by local linen manufacturer George Reid. It was initially displayed in the Pittencrieff House Museum after the opening of that museum in 1903, but in 1910 the Carnegie Trust acquired outright ownership of the Collection and in 1921 it was placed in the Special Collections Room of the newly-extended Central Library. Ownership was later transferred to the Town Council. Although George Reid collected books from the monastic manuscripts of the 13th century to the private press books of his own day, his chief passion was for medieval illuminated manuscripts. The Dunfermline Collection includes six of these - three large service books and three Books of Hours.

Events, exhibitions and displays are organised and there is a free bookable exhibition space for community groups.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library is part of the Scottish Parliament Partner Library Network.

The Library also hosts a range of activities, including storytimes and Bounce & Tickle sessions for children, reading groups and free IT taster sessions to get people started using computers.