Google MapsA community group in Glasgow are campaigning to have their local library reopened.
Cardonald Library in the city’s southside has been out of service for over a year after its doors closed in September 2023.
The closure was a result of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) being present in the building, leading it to being deemed “high risk”.
But nearly 17 months later, the shutters remain down with no sign of when or if it will be open to the public again.
Locals have been holding monthly protests at the building since November with the slogan “gies back our books” in a bid to “provide a visible, vocal and positive platform for the community to demand answers and a solution for moving forward”.
Gies back our books – Cardonald LibraryA Save Cardonald Library petition has also been launched on Change.org and has gained over 1,400 signatures since it was activated on January 28.
The petition states that “Our library provision was vital to a vast and diverse community with a wide array of services that have never been replaced and suitable, accessible and local alternatives have not been facilitated.
“We need our books, bookbug sessions, Lego clubs, Internet access, warmth, meeting and workspace back. In this current climate, we miss and need our library more than ever.”
The group plans to hold another protest at the building on Mosspark Drive at 10am this Sunday.
A statement on the Glasgow Life website regarding the library says: “Cardonald Library has been closed temporarily to allow us to carry out further investigation into the presence of RAAC in the building.
“A review of the plans shows RAAC was used at Cardonald Library.
“We have received the results of a structural survey which confirms that RAAC is in the Cardonald Library building and is high risk.
“Glasgow Life has been developing a series of proposals to tackle the RAAC discovered at Cardonald Library and we are discussing these proposals, likely timescales and potential costs with Glasgow City Council.
“When this process has concluded we will update on next steps.”
You can sign the petition to Save Cardonald Library here.
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