Local people benefitting from Elder Park Library and Community Hub refurbishment
The £4 million restoration of Glasgow's Elder Park Library has been hailed by its local community.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 19 September 2024 10:42
Community groups and schoolchildren were invited to the facility, now known as Elder Park Library and Community Hub, on Wednesday 18 September 2024 for an official reopening ceremony.
Little ones enjoyed a Bookbug session as part of the event before choir members from Govan Gaelic Primary School, Ibrox Primary School and Riverside Primary School performed a series of songs. A ribbon was then cut and a plaque was unveiled by Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life.
The official reopening ceremony took place after Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture and sport in Glasgow, welcomed the first visitors back to the refurbished library on Monday 24 June 2024.
In partnership with Elderpark Housing Association, significant improvements were made to Elder Park Library and Community Hub to make the A-listed building more accessible and sustainable and ensure it best meets the needs of the local community.
The internal and external work upgraded the library and community spaces. It also created a new community kitchen and more bookable areas for people to use, as well as extra library toilets and improved baby changing facilities.
Among those making use of the new-look facility is Impact Arts, an arts organisation that helps to transform lives through creative activities by building people’s confidence and empowering them to achieve their potential. Impact Arts has set up a Craft Café arts programme at Elder Park Library and Community Hub to support local people aged 60 and above to get creative, improve their wellbeing and, in turn, combat loneliness.
Impact Arts runs its Craft Café on Tuesdays (11.00am-4.00pm), Wednesdays (10.00am-2.00pm) and Thursdays (11.00am-4.00pm).
Angela Smith, Programme Manager at Impact Arts, said: “The Craft Café members are very impressed by the newly renovated building. It’s light and comfortable. It’s a hub for the community and we foresee many exciting new links and relationships will be developed as a result of being based in the library building.
“We are sure we’ll have many happy years working in this building. The library will allow us to continue our programme in a welcoming space in the heart of Govan. The size of the room will allow us to invite visiting artists in and host showcase events in the future.
“The setting and the grandeur of the building is impressive. The library will allow us to continue running essential provision for older people.”
Environmental charity Urban Roots is another group which holds community-focused activities at Elder Park Library and Community Hub.
Urban Roots delivers food growing and conservation activities across the southside of Glasgow. The group is using Elder Park Library and Community Hub’s new kitchen space to offer a lunch club and monthly community meals to promote healthier eating and connect with people who live nearby.
Julia Boswell, Food and Health Coordinator at Urban Roots, said: “We were in Elder Park Community Centre before, and we’ve been using the new space. It’s a really nice building and there are nice views out the window. It’s good for the community to have the library there.
“We have two programmes: one is the lunch club, where people come to cook and eat together. On a Saturday, we always serve food. One Saturday a month we do a community meal. People of all ages can come along, it’s open to all.”
Glasgow Eagles Sports Club is also using Elder Park Library and Community Hub’s new facilities to support locals. The charity runs sports activities for people with disabilities, including table tennis and boccia.
Glasgow Eagles was founded in 1988 and previously based some of its activities in the former Elder Park Community Centre. The club also offers basketball, cycling, golf and powerlifting sessions.
Alec Watt MBE, Glasgow Eagles Sports Club Founder, said: “The new-look Elder Park Library and Community Hub is an excellent advert for Glasgow Life Libraries as it is homely, welcoming and a place that you’re happy to be in and spend time.
“We were advised as to what space was available and we were delighted, as this was ideal for our table tennis and boccia groups. In the not-too-distant future we may be able to introduce other indoor games or activities.
“The newly refurbished library will attract many new members from the local community through word of mouth because of its endearing qualities. It’s a focal point, a community resource.”
Elder Park Library and Community Hub also hosts free adult literacy classes, run by Glasgow Life. The sessions offer support with reading, writing, spelling and numbers.
Andy Robinson, Assistant Area Manager for Community Services, Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow Life’s Adult Learning Service is delighted to offer an expanded learning offer at Elder Park Library and Community Hub, including classes for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALN) and Creative Writing. The newly refurbished facility now offers a high-quality, supportive community learning hub where all learners can improve English skills, build confidence, connect with others and develop their skills as a pathway to further education and employment.”
Elder Park Library and Community Hub will soon be home to books chosen by pupils from local schools who will be given a chance to pick their favourite titles for the junior section.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, said: “Glasgow Life Libraries are much-loved by their communities and the new-look Elder Park Library and Community Hub is a prime example of the pivotal part these facilities play in the lives of local people. There is so much on offer in the refreshed space, from Craft Café arts activities to table tennis, and of course free access to books, digital resources and information. The range of activities and support at Elder Park Library and Community Hub will ensure the facility remains a central feature at the heart of its local community for generations to come.”
Gary Dalziel, Chief Executive Officer of Elderpark Housing Association, said: “The Elder Park Library and Community Hub is a building of cultural significance in Govan and the recent significant financial investment is already providing opportunities for individuals and local groups to re-engage with the building and the spaces within it. It is early days since re-opening, but the transformation is stunning and I am certain the venue will be enjoyed by those residing within Govan for many years to come.”
Visit the Elder Park Library webpage on the Glasgow Life website for more information.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season
Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MORE
Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.
READ MORE
Glasgow Mat Pilates Studio looks to add NEW Classes to bring people together
Move Train Eat is set to grow its timetable in 2025 with the aim of helping people move better and connect with like-minded people, as they enter new phases of life.
READ MORE
Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates 10 new openings in 2024
Braehead Shopping Centre has had an incredible year in 2024, marked by a wave of exciting new stores that have reinforced its position as one of Scotland's leading shopping destinations.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort confirms festive opening hours
Glasgow Fort has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first stage production for its reopening in 2025
The Citizens Theatre announces Small Acts of Love as the show which will reopen the theatre in 2025.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Acclaimed lecture by Panto legend Johnny McKnight returns for one off performance
Stage star and Panto legend Johnny McKnight will take to the stage once more, in 2025, for a one-off performance of his acclaimed lecture She's Behind You at The Pavilion Theatre.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Pioneering new partnership between Buchanan Galleries and The White Company Makes perfect scents this Christmas
Buchanan Galleries has joined forces with The White Company in a pioneering new partnership that’s not to be sniffed at.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle announces grand opening date of its new luxury development
Crossbasket Castle will deliver one of Scotland’s newest and most exciting five-star hospitality experiences, with a unique restaurant by Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro to spread holiday cheer with ticket giveaway
OVO Hydro, Scotland's Home of Live Entertainment, is spreading holiday cheer with a festive giveaway and support for Nordoff & Robbins music therapy charity.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
People in Glasgow asked to nominate their local business support champions for new Awards
Business Gateway has announced that nominations are now open for its inaugural Recognition Awards.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
'Hook' a Duck around Glasgow for your chance to win tickets to this year's IRN-BRU Carnival!
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro crowned venue of the year at Live Awards
OVO Hydro, Scotland's premier entertainment venue, has been named Venue of the Year at the prestigious Live Awards.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Sean Batty urges Glasgow residents to choose local this Christmas
Weather presenter took part in George Square market as he promotes his first festive children's book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus, Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced that its 2025 Country Focus will be Austria and reveals its Special Events which will go on sale on Monday 16th December.
READ MORE
Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations
From iconic institutions to rising stars, the search is on to find the city's best bars, pubs, and hospitality heroes that make Glasgow great!
READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Award winning folk star set for sparkling Celtic Connections show
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm is getting set to perform her forthcoming new album to local audiences as part of Celtic Connections at Barony Hall on Saturday 1st February.
READ MORE
Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
Millions of over 60's are facing a completely silent night, and day, this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links