Glasgow Women’s Library has celebrated the relaunch of its refurbished building with a visit from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The newly designed library in Bridgeton will be home to unique archives and artefacts celebrating women’s writing, history and achievements in Scotland and beyond.
The library has benefitted from capital grants and public donations of more than £1million to revamp the Grade B-listed Carnegie public library building in the city’s east end.
As the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women’s history, Glasgow Women’s Library now also boasts purpose-built archives in which to preserve its rare collections, including a substantial body of original Suffragette memorabilia.
Equipped with exhibition spaces and provision for a forthcoming cafe and shop, the building will also be available for community use with an events programme celebrating Scotland’s women’s culture, achievements, learning and heritage.
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said: “Glasgow Women’s Library is truly a national treasure and I am thrilled to officially open the new premises after the recent renovation.
“As well as excellent resources, the library also offers vital support to women – and makes a real difference to so many people’s lives.
“The Scottish Government was happy to support the library by contributing over £500,000 to the renovation so their work could continue.”
Funding for the major redevelopment was also provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Futures Trust, Glasgow City Council, Creative Scotland, Clyde Gateway and Museums Galleries Scotland.
Formerly the Bridgeton Public Library, the building has been given a new lease of life as a part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games regeneration, with Clyde Gateway supporting Glasgow Women’s Library in managing the capital build project.
Since its founding in 1991, Glasgow Women’s Library has been based in a number of locations including Garnethill, Trongate and, for several years prior to this move, in temporary premises including at the Mitchell Library.
Adele Patrick, Lifelong Learning and Creative Development Manager at the library, said: “It’s a dream come true to have purpose-built premises to house our unique and rare collections and to witness local, national and international visitors appreciating and using them.
“The launch of this building marks our transition to a permanent, forever home and we are so appreciative of the crucial support that our funders, partners, donors and friends have contributed in getting us here.”
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