Paisley is turning the page on the next chapter of its regeneration with the opening of a new central library facility in the middle of the town’s High Street.
The new facility will open to the public at the end of the month, following a £7 million investment by Renfrewshire Council and partners. Officially known as the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, the building spans four floors of what was previously a vacant retail space.
Renfrewshire Provost, Councillor Lorraine Cameron and Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen, the charity which will operate the library, were on-hand to welcome children from Little Learners Nursery to the new facility.
Provost 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.”
Provost Cameron cut the ribbon on the new facility allowing the children to be the first to enjoy the incredible facilities. She added: “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.”
The ground floor is home to the children’s library complete with a play structure designed by celebrated Scottish artist, Claire Barclay, including storytelling areas and reading nooks and crannies for little ones to enjoy a book. Upper floors include adult fiction and non-fiction spaces, with the top floor designed in conjunction with young adults to provide a space for study, reading and an area to relax. The venue also has space for events, community rooms with digital screens and innovative displays to assist communities such as those with dementia.
Across all four floors are digital spaces with public PC provision to keep people connected, as well as free WiFi and spaces for people to plug-in their own devices and watch the world go by.
The venue has comfortable seat and soft furnishings and visitors can also enjoy a coffee and, weather permitting, a new outdoor terrace. Councillor Hughes 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.”
The opening of the library is part of a once-in-a-generation investment by Renfrewshire Council on cultural assets across Paisley town centre. In September, the iconic Paisley Town Hall re-opened following a full refurbishment and work continues on the refurbishment of Paisley Arts Centre and Paisley Museum.
The aim is for the cultural investment to help drive visits and visitors to the town, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Paisley Central Library will play host to a number of events over the coming weeks, from BookBug and story-time sessions, to author events and will play a key role as the host location for next year’s Paisley Book Festival.
With Doctor Who back on our TV screens, the library is playing host to an exhibition inspired by the show, complete with a TARDIS, Daleks and original artworks.
More info is available here: www.paisleycentrallibrary.org