Partick Library reopens to the public after £1.5m year-long, complete refurbishment

Partick Library has opened its doors again after a major £1.5m refurbishment.

The 12-month makeover has revitalised the building - with a new mezzanine, study space and IT training suite for the local community.

In addition, the library has been rewired, re-roofed, drainage repaired and new windows and IT system installed.

Pupils from Notre Dame Primary school, Glasgow at the opening of Partick Library

For younger visitors, a relaxing 'sensory nook' - a first for Glasgow Libraries’ - has been created, providing a special multisensory reading space for children with additional needs.

The B-listed library has been at the heart of the West End community for almost 95 years.

Before it closed for refurbishment in December 2018, the building had more than 2500 visits a week and issued more than 1500 books.

The refurbished library is full of bright new spaces. Photo: Bill Murray / SNS Group.

Money for the refurbishment has come from Glasgow City Council’s Community Asset Fund that is seeing £10 million invested into community buildings across the city.

Andrew Olney is head of communities and libraries at Glasgow Life.

He said: “Partick Library is one of our busiest, most loved community venues, having served the people of Glasgow for almost 95 years.

“As part of a planned £10 million investment into improving libraries and community facilities citywide, this investment by Glasgow City Council has significantly redeveloped Partick Library, allowing us to protect this important B-listed building.

"Hundreds of residents can now benefit from this fantastic community space in the west end of the city.”

The refit has cost £1.5m. Photo credit: Bill Murray / SNS Group.

Alongside around 33,000 titles, free Wi-Fi and free PC access, the new look community library will welcome local schools and put on a range of adult and digital learning classes.

The library is also looking forward to hosting groups and classes like knitting, book group, creative writing, breastfeeding support and Bookbug.

Activities and advice services led by partners will relaunch at the library including Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries, Universal Credit, Citizens Advice, Jobs and Business Glasgow, Action on Hearing and more.

A visit from Tartan noir novelist Christopher Brookmyre on Tuesday 3 December is among a number of activities planned during the opening week.

* For more information, or to find out more about what’s on in Partick Library, please visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries