Dismayed Glasgow residents protest against library closures

The Save Glasgow Libraries campaign group were joined by adults and children in Pollokshields, Whiteinch and in Langside to warn council bosses that closures will not be tolerated. 

During a time where residents hoped that they could celebrate the reopening of local facilities, they are, instead, fighting for their future. 

A spokeswoman for Save Glasgow Libraries said: "We were promised that our venues wouldn't close and that it would never be a threat that they could close. 

“While politicians have been saying that libraries won’t close and that they will instead move, there are still major concerns about the future of these services and how we can access them."

READ MORE: Glasgow Life respond to our Save Our Venues campaign with updated list

In total, only 90 out of 160 Glasgow Life venues are planned to reopen post-pandemic - leaving dozens with an uncertain future.

In the North West of Glasgow, council leader Susan Aitken disclosed that Maryhill library - confirmed to close -  is currently in a "very poor condition", suggesting that it may be the reason why it has been underused in recent years. 

The campaign spokeswoman added: “The council has argued that the venues facing closure are under-used, but this is only the same excuse they used with the Scotland Street School Museum.

READ MORE: Glasgow's venues closures can't be history repeating itself

“If they don’t invest in these venues for years, it comes as no surprise that people will stop going to them. They can apply this same strategy to our libraries as well.

“When you visit a library, it should be safe and warm. They just haven’t done this which is why they are falling through the cracks.

“It beggars belief that these venues that are at the very heart of the community will not be opening again.

“Some areas in the city are even facing a double-whammy with the prospect of having two of their venues shut down. It makes you think, who is making these decisions at the top?"

Glasgow Life bosses are in talks of moving libraries to Glasgow Club venues, where pop-up facilities will be put in place during the transition period. 

“The loss to the city right now is the loss of these vital services then it will be the loss of the buildings falling into disrepair. These buildings are the jewels of the city", the campaigner said. 

“A library is the same as the Kelvingove and the Riverside, all these buildings are the same for locals as what the tourist attractions are for visitors.

“Another idea that libraries will move to Glasgow Clubs is only ill-thought. I’m sure that members of Glasgow Clubs also will not be happy about having to move classes around or make space for library services.

“What’s more, how is someone meant to find peace and quiet to use library services at a sports venue?

Saturday's demonstration marks the first of many as activists are encouraging residents to take part in the weekly protests. In Whiteinch, protestors are asking locals to back plans for a "protest spot" outside the under-threat building. 

A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: “Work is ongoing at Pollokshields to remove rot, after which we will need to prepare the library for reopening in line with Scottish Government guidance.

"Similarly, at Langside, significant water damage was caused following a period of prolonged heavy rain last month and necessary repairs are being undertaken in order to make the building safe again ahead of the return of our staff and visitors. If it’s possible to bring the reopening dates for these venues forward then we will inform the local communities at the earliest possible opportunity.

“With regards to Whiteinch, we have been discussing options for how to deliver a fit-for-purpose library service for the local community since before the pandemic, as the building needs significant upgrading in order to make it safe and usable.

"We have been exploring the feasibility of moving local library provision a short distance and putting in place a temporary, pop-up library service within Scotstoun Leisure Campus.

"This will offer access to books, IT and a range of other much-needed library information services and will ensure provision continues to be available in the immediate future. It is entirely understandable that any proposed changes to services and the venues which host them would generate uncertainty and concern amongst users and the wider community.

"However, we are committed to finding solutions to the challenges created by both the impact of age and Covid, and to continuing to deliver a library service within the Whiteinch community.”