Blantyre Library is moving across the road to within Blantyre Leisure Centre.
An update on the future of Blantyre Library has been provided today from Cllr Chalmers following a recent council meeting. If you recall SLLC were withdrawing from many local halls and the library, leaving the library at risk.
Recent decisions though saving the library will see it move to new premises. The update is as follows:
– Physical adaptation works will be undertaken to provide a new library space within the Leisure Centre, accessible from the reception by re-provisioning an existing adjacent area. This will require the removal of walls and the introduction of a new doorway, windows and glazed screens. The newly allocated space will be freshly decorated with new flooring and receive a bespoke re-fit.
– In addition, the reprovisioning of the previous creche area is being considered to provide a designated area for children’s activities through BookBug to be delivered.
– The reprovisioning works within the Blantyre Leisure Centre are to be funded from the Transformation Fund and will take approximately 12 weeks, currently programmed to commence on 6 January 2025 through to 28 March 2025.
– Relocation within Blantyre Leisure Centre provides increased library opening hours; from 40.5hrs over 6 days to 96.25 hrs over 7 days.
The new model of library provision for Blantyre will include access to a fiction/ non-fiction book lending collection, a new self-service kiosk which will provide book issue, return and renewal service out-with staffing hours, Free wi-fi access, access to photocopying, Bookbug and pre-five activity within a separate and designated space.
– Transition arrangements for the new service have still to be finalised pending completion of the works and procurement of the new self-service book lending system.
Members should note that there will be a short period of time where no library service will be available to allow the decant/transfer of the book stock and other equipment. The Council will inform you once these dates are confirmed and SLLC will inform customers through the various communication channels.
The existing library building will have an expired lease and being owned by ASDA, it will be up to them as to whom they let the building to next.
Have your say. Are you happy with the new library arrangements? Will this work? What would you like to see in the existing library building?
