£4m Elder Park Library Revamp Benefits Locals
The £4 million restoration project of Glasgow’s Elder Park Library, in collaboration with Elderpark Housing, has been met with great enthusiasm and appreciation from the local community. The facility, now rebranded as the Elder Park Library and Community Hub, recently hosted an official reopening ceremony that brought together community groups, schoolchildren, and local officials.
During the event, children partook in a library session, followed by heartwarming performances by choirs from Govan Gaelic Primary School, Ibrox Primary School, and Riverside Primary School. The ceremony culminated in the ribbon-cutting by Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
The official reopening marked the completion of extensive renovations to the 121-year-old building, making it more accessible, sustainable, and better suited to serve the needs of the local community. This collaborative effort between Glasgow Life and Elderpark Housing Association resulted in significant enhancements to the interior and exterior of the library, including the addition of a new community kitchen, increased bookable areas, enhanced toilet facilities, and improved baby changing amenities.
One notable organization now utilizing the updated space is Impact Arts, an arts initiative dedicated to enhancing lives through creative pursuits, building confidence, and combatting social isolation. Their Craft Café arts programme at Elder Park Library and Community Hub provides older residents with opportunities to engage in creative activities, fostering wellbeing and a sense of community.
Bailie Annette Christie, expressed her delight in the revitalized space, highlighting the plethora of offerings available, from arts activities to table tennis, alongside free access to books, digital resources, and information. She emphasized the essential role such facilities play in the lives of local residents, ensuring the Elder Park Library remains a central community hub for years to come.
Gary Dalziel, the CEO of Elderpark Housing Association, expressed his admiration for the cultural significance of the Elder Park Library and its recent transformation. He highlighted the positive impact of the investment, providing renewed opportunities for individuals and local groups to engage with the historic building and its various spaces.
Elder Park Library holds a special place in the heart of Govan, generously gifted by philanthropist Isabella Elder, who contributed £10,000 towards its construction. Her advocacy for the people of Govan secured her a revered place in Glasgow’s history, earning her the title of one of the city’s “greatest” Glaswegians.
The library, first opened in 1903 by Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of generosity and community spirit that continues to thrive within its walls.
All pictures courtesy of Elderpark Housing
