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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Carla Jenkins

Former 'at risk' Glasgow libraries to re-open following protests

Glasgow Life has announced opening dates of a number of major libraries in the city, including those previously earmarked for closure.

The Couper Institute Library, Library at the GoMA, Maryhill Library and Whiteinch Library will all reopen on Monday, January 24.

Adaptations have also been made to the building Barmulloch Library is in, which is being used as a vaccination centre, with the library set to reopen on Monday 31 January.

Elder Park and Woodside Libraries are planned to reopen in 2022 following 'significant investment and refurbishment'.

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The libraries will begin to reopen from next week following months of protests against closures and cuts to funding, particularly for the Whiteinch and Maryhill libraries.

The Scottish Government gave the charity an extra grant of £448,068, in addition to the £100 million funding guarantee Glasgow Life received from Glasgow City Council in March 2021, following the protests.

Council leader Susan Aitken said: “We have always understood the value of libraries to their communities which is why we have been working towards reopening all libraries as soon as we were able to do so - and that is reflected in the financial guarantee the council extended to Glasgow Life to ensure more of these venues were able to open sooner, after being closed by the pandemic.

“The city made a strong case for the additional funding that means every library now has a reopening date. While we must not forget that Maryhill and Whiteinch libraries both still need substantial capital investment for the future; I am looking forward to all of Glasgow’s libraries being able to welcome people back through their doors.”

All reopening plans are contingent on staff availability and ensuring services can be delivered safely, and in-line with the Scottish Government’s guidance.

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