Locals celebrate reopening of Whiteinch Library in Glasgow

The atmosphere became contagious as members of the Whiteinch community celebrated the reopening of their beloved local library.

A loud cheer and several applauses broke out as staff welcomed visitors to Whiteinch Library for the first time in more than two years. 

It was a day of triumph for locals who campaigned strenuously to keep the venue in the hands of local people after it was earmarked for closure last year. 

Maisie McCrae, chairperson of Whiteinch Community Council, said: "We are absolutely delighted that our venue is reopening its doors today. 

"We feel great but we are realistic. This is just an interim arrangement – the library is big, it is old and Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life might think it is costing them too much to keep open.

“We in the community do not want another building like the town hall, which is opposite the library, going to ruin."

The public facility closed in March 2020 in accordance with coronavirus guidelines. 

It later became one of 70 city venues struck by uncertainty as the pandemic took a financial toll on Glasgow Life. 

Cancellations and a loss of income from hall hires, memberships and service charges resulted in the organisation losing £40m in 2020/21 after lockdown. 

The news of the potential closures prompted the Glasgow Times to lead a campaign that urged the local authority and Glasgow Life to "Save Our Venues". 

Elsewhere, locals staged sit-in readings every Saturday morning outside facilities that were under threat to highlight the cause. 

Ms McCrae added: "When the library closed, there was a group of people waiting outside the library with their phones because they were getting a signal from inside the library. 

"These are people who obviously do not have broadband in their homes because they can’t afford it. A library is vital to these people, it is often a place where people can learn English or access courses and classes.

“We even had teachers in the area support our campaign because when they are trying to get kids to do things online and they can’t do it, they are then directed to the library where they will be helped. 

“You don’t realise how important a library is for the people until it closes".

It was revealed in November that the facility would be saved from closure thanks to a £500,000 cash injection from the Scottish Government.

While the funding has been warmly welcomed, locals argue it is not enough to secure the building's future in the long term. 

Elizabeth Brown, Whiteinch Library campaigner, said: "Although we are delighted the doors have reopened today, the fight will go on to secure the future of Whiteinch Library.

“We’re also delighted that it has brought the community together again – the Saturday morning readings became a social event and allowed us to realise that local people can take charge of things that are happening in their area.

“You don’t just have to sit back and let politicians decide what happens for you.”

Maureen Cannell

Maureen Cannell, organiser of Whiteinch sit-ins, added: "I think the closure over the last two years will keep us united because we are very concerned about where we will be in a years’ time once the funding is withdrawn. 

“We are keen to make sure that the library is sustained and it remains within the heart of the community.”

Elsewhere, The Couper Institute Library, Library @ GoMA and Maryhill Library also reopened today.

A Glasgow City COuncil spokesman said: “The council will set its budget next month – and we can’t pre-judge the proposals political groups will make or the collective decisions members will arrive at.

"However, members of the public will be aware that City Government has previously indicated that it intends to identify the necessary resources to allow the libraries now reopening to stay open.”