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
MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!
Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!
READ MORE
Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.
READ MORE
The Maclean Brothers row onto Celtic Connections bill as new wave of shows announced
The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the world-renowned Celtic Connections bill, it has been announced.
READ MORE
BBC CBeebies starts the panto season at Glasgow cinemas
The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Glasgow from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the largest Black Friday Theatre Sale in the UK
As part of Trafalgar Entertainment, customers can now access some of the best theatre ticket deals for shows at the Pavilion Theatre as well as unmissable productions in the West End.
READ MORE
BBC ALBA Hogmanay Ceilidh to broadcast live from Glasgow
BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music's biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026.
READ MORE
Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow
The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green
Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish
Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun
The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet
Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.
READ MORE
Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850
More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.
READ MORE
ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green
Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.
READ MORE
77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups
The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.
READ MORE
Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes
Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations
Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!
READ MORE
Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.
READ MORE
Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup
Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.
READ MORE
Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio
Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.
READ MORE
New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden
Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail
Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!
READ MORE
KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End
The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links