Elder Park Library reopens after £4m makeover

The Elder Park Library and Community Hub is reopening its doors on Monday after undergoing a magnificent £4 million restoration project. This joint effort by Glasgow Life and Elderpark Housing Association has modernised the A-listed building to better serve the local community.

The restoration includes a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior, creating enhanced library and community spaces, a new community kitchen, and more bookable areas for the public to utilise. In addition, upgrades such as additional library toilets and improved baby changing facilities have been incorporated to enhance the overall experience.

Not only has the project made the A-listed building more accessible, but it has also focused on sustainability and energy efficiency. The improvements feature natural ventilation, energy-efficient boilers, new electrical wiring and lighting, as well as a weather station. These enhancements, along with a building management system to monitor temperature and ventilation, aim to significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint while ensuring visitor safety and comfort.

The revitalised Elder Park Library and Community Hub will now be open six days a week, providing free access to books, digital resources, information, and support to the community. Andrew Olney, Glasgow Life’s director of libraries, sport, and communities, expressed the importance of modern facilities that cater to the needs of the local residents.

Gary Dalziel, CEO of Elderpark Housing Association, highlighted the significance of this renovation in creating a top-notch community hub within a historic building that holds a special place in the hearts of the area’s residents.

Gifted to the Govan community by Mrs Isabella Elder with a generous donation in the early 1900s, the Elder Park Library has been a valued resource for the city’s residents and visitors since its inauguration in 1903.