Petition falls on deaf ears as Kirkintilloch hub continues

More than 2,000 signatures were gathered by protestors when it became apparent what was planned, criticising the “significant cut” to the library and concerns over the lack of consultation prior to work kicking off.

A recent meeting of the policy and resources committee noted the petition.

Meanwhile, the new-look William Patrick Library will be ‘intensively reviewed’ over the next six months, it has been revealed.

Kirkintilloch Community Hub was officially thrown open to the public last week after £500,000 investment.

The new home for council, library, leisure and cultural services in the town is based within William Patrick Library.

The books are still there, although the area has been reduced to fit in the new ‘one-stop-shop’ and café.

The council has pledged that an “intensive review process will be undertaken over the first six months of operation”.

Customer feedback will be sought on the range and quality of services. The review will also look at customers, visitors, use of services, waiting times and possible improvements.

The Hub is split into four sections – a customer services area, the newly laid-out William Patrick Library, a shared library and customer services area, and a Costa Coffee café.

The library section features a main reception area, learning suite, people’s network computers providing free Internet, wi-fi access and a new children’s area.

The shared space at the entrance to the Hub has self-service payment kiosks, a new automated library point to allow people to check books in and out and more.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: “This really is a landmark event for the council and East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust.”

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