Buildings of Glasgow: Historic A-listed Govan library set to reopen after £4 million upgrade

Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture and sport in Glasgow, will reopen the popular library, now known as Elder Park Library and Community Hub, on Monday 24 June 2024 following a £4 million upgrade.

In partnership with Elderpark Housing Association, Elder Park Library and Community Hub has undergone significant work to improve the building so that it best meets the needs of the local community.

The upgrades include a full interior and exterior refurbishment which provides improved library and community spaces, a new community kitchen and more bookable areas for people to use. These are supported by additional library toilets and improved baby changing facilities.

The work will also ensure the A-listed building – protected by Historic Environment Scotland because of its architectural and historic interest – is more accessible and sustainable. The revamped Elder Park Library and Community Hub has also improved the building’s energy performance. The new features include more natural ventilation, energy-efficient boilers, new electrical wiring and lighting, and a weather station.

All of the new additions connect to a building management system which monitors temperature and ventilation. The building also has new fire safety and security systems. These installations will not only greatly reduce its carbon footprint, but also improve the overall visitor experience and safety measures.

Elder Park Library and Community Hub will be open six days a week on the following days:

• Monday (1.00pm-8.00pm)
• Tuesday (10.00am-5.00pm)
• Wednesday (10.00am-5.00pm)
• Thursday (10.00am-5.00pm)
• Friday (10.00am-5.00pm)
• Saturday (10.00am-5.00pm)
• Sunday (closed)

Andrew Olney, Director of Libraries, Sport and Communities at Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow’s libraries are highly valued by the people who use them, and this project ensures there is a modern, fit-for-purpose hub at the heart of the Elder Park community. The new-look facility offers visitors a welcoming space with free access to books, digital resources, information, and support.”

Gary Dalziel, Chief Executive of Elderpark Housing Association, said: “Elderpark Housing Association is thrilled to see Elder Park Library and Community Hub opening after its extensive renovations. It will provide a stunning facility located in the heart of the community which, as well as re-invigorating the use of the refurbished library, will also create a first-class new community hub, all located within a historic and much-loved building in the area.”

Elder Park Library was gifted to Govan by Mrs Isabella Elder, who donated £10,000 to meet the cost of the building in the early 1900s. The library is one of Glasgow’s Carnegie libraries and has served the people and visitors of the city since the building was opened by the Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1903.