A new library is opening at the end of the month as part of a £7 million investment. 

Paisley will soon welcome the Learning and Cultural Hub on the town's High Street, taking over a former empty retail unit.

Ahead of opening to the wider public, the library recently welcomed children from Little Learners Nursery to try out the new facility. 

Highlights include a children's library on the ground floor with a play structure designed by celebrated Scottish artist, Claire Barclay, with storytelling areas and reading nooks and crannies.

Glasgow Times:

Upstairs is for adult fiction and non-fiction and the top floor is designed for young people to study, read and relax.

The venue also has space for events with community rooms with digital screens and innovative displays to assist communities such as those with dementia.

Visitors can stay connected with digital spaces for PC use as well as free Wi-Fi across all four floors, while also enjoying a coffee and relaxing in the soft seating throughout the library. 

Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “We are thrilled to welcome the world to what is one of Scotland’s finest library facilities.

"The investment made by Renfrewshire Council and partners is a real statement of intent, turning the page on a new, culture-led chapter which will help transform the fortunes of Paisley and Renfrewshire.

"It’s been a real joy to be here and watch children playing and listening to stories. Our libraries are places which provide a welcome for all, where you can laugh, play, read or seek some quiet time.

"I’ve no doubt it will be a huge hit for the people of Renfrewshire and beyond.”

Glasgow Times:

The multi-million-pound investment forms part of Renfrewshire Council's plans to regenerate the town and comes after the Paisley Town Hall unveiled its new and improved look in September. 

Work continues on refurbishing the Paisley Arts Centre and Paisley Museum.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen which will run the library, added: “Libraries are places that change lives for the better, where learning, joy and inspiration abound and this incredible new facility provides more than just a space filled with books, it’s a community hub right in the middle of the High Street.

“With the cost-of-living crisis hitting so many, so hard, it’s crucial to have community assets like these which are free to use and provide an incredibly warm welcome for all.

“Whether you want to read, or borrow, a book - or simply find a quiet space to escape the stress of modern life, our new Central Library, like all of Renfrewshire Libraries, provides a sanctuary for all.”