Glasgow building dates back 121 years and reopens tomorrow

Aiming to provide locals with a ‘stunning’ space that focuses on bringing the community together, the new-and-improved Elder Park Library promises to be a ‘first-class’ hub for those who want to use it.

It’s a message that has been echoed through generations in the Govan area. When the library was first opened in 1903 by Scottish industrialist Andrew Carnegie, it was given as a ‘gift’ to the people of Glasgow by philanthropist Isabella Elder.

Library opening in 1903. (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

Resembling more of a stately home than a library, this stunning building and its distinctive pillars and statues were the product of renowned Glasgow architect John James Burnett, who brought this design to life at a cost of £27,000.

His other works include the Charing Cross mansions, Selfridges department store in London and the British Museum.

Mrs Elder had already dedicated the library’s lush green surroundings, Elder Park, to Glaswegians to give them ‘healthful recreation by music and amusement’.

Elder Park (Image: Newsquest)

The library sits on the southeast corner of the park, which opened in 1885. Named in memory of her husband, shipping magnate John Elder, Elder Park represented a calming spot of respite in an industrial city, a charming green space among rows of crowded Victorian tenements.

Mrs Elder was a wealthy woman, but Govan was not a wealthy place. Throughout her life, she used her money to give something back to the people of Glasgow, particularly helping women with their education.

The park was a place people, regardless of status, flocked to.

Model yachts in Elder Park (Image: Newsquest)

A glimmer of sunlight and the grass was covered with visitors. Children paddled in the pond, built castles in the sandpit and their mothers would enjoy a catch-up while keeping an eye on the mischief.

A report of the park in 1936 said the place was ‘going like a fair’ – with money being tight, Elder Park and Glasgow’s other parks was the perfect place to go with the family rather than splurging on a day trip to the country or seaside.

The park and its cornerstone, the library, remain an integral part of Glasgow and Govan’s history.

(Image: Newsquest)

When plans were confirmed to give the building a new ‘lease of life’, there must have been a sense of excitement in the air for the area, especially as the community – like all others – had been affected by a global pandemic.

The project, approved by the city council’s planning team, also included relocating Elder Park community centre into the library.

Construction began in 2022 and was not met without problems. In the summer, security was ramped up when brazen vandals targeted the protected building, wielding rocks at its windows.

Glasgow Life, who was refurbishing the library along with Elderpark Housing, hit out at the mindless thugs.

Construction underway at Elder Park Library (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

Work continued, and now the completed library is ready to welcome guests back and provide a revitalised sense of togetherness and community in a beautiful setting.

While the Edwardian-era building is stunning, many of its interior features were no longer suitable and some improvements have been made. Visitors can expect better lighting, more accessibility for all and new additions to make the building more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint.

Are you looking forward to visiting the new (old) library?