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Category: Glasgow City Council

Glasgow City Council Confirms £1.2M Funding for Cardonald Library Reopening

Published 23/02/2025 by Admin Admin

Glasgow City Council has confirmed full funding of £1.2 million to reopen Cardonald Library, marking a significant step toward restoring the valued community facility.

The announcement comes as a welcome surprise to many local residents and campaigners who had been uncertain about the library’s future. While the funding commitment is now in place, I imagine some remain cautious, sand will only fully believe it once the doors officially reopen.

I had placed efforts to explore temporary provisions while awaiting a final decision. However, with the funding now secured, this blog focus will shift to tracking the timeline for the library’s reopening. Further updates on progress and key milestones will be shared as they become available.

Glasgow City Council Budget 2025/26

Published 04/02/2025 by Admin Admin

It’s been over a month since my last post, and I stumbled on this post on the “Gies back our books” facebook group for Cardonald Library.

I said in my last post we are approaching the “business end” of Cardonald Library’s fate. It does indeed look like by the end of Feb we will find out what is happening. This is due to Glasgow City Council finalising their budget this month.

What do we think will be Cardonalds fate? My concern is the silence is defeaning from anyone in a position to help.

My Local Labour MP Alison Taylor on Cardonald Library #2

Published 02/02/2025 by Admin Admin
My Local Labour MP Alison Taylor on Cardonald Library #2

I thought I would provide an update to my post in November with my correspondance with my Local MP.

I received an email back in November, but have since not heard a peep in over 2 months.

The original response I received included a letter Alison had received back from Glasgow Life. The letter was dated 3rd October, I received a copy of mid November. The letter advised they were awaiting a funding decision on the library but also hoped a temporary solution could be found. Alison advised she would follow up.

Since then, i have not heard anything. I have emailed 3 times. I asked if she would show support and attend a protest (twice). I also asked if she received a response from Glasgow City Council.

I think its fair to say, I dont expect to have to follow up my MP multiple times. Dissapointing.

Does The Council Have Any Money For The Library?

Published 12/12/2024 by Admin Admin

Call me a sceptic, but this article last month by the Evening Times really doesnt fill me with confidence about Cardonald Library.

The Council “blows budget” by £25m already. Where will they get the money for the library?

Then it is reported that Audit Scotland beleive there is a weakness in the council for not having a proper financial management team ?

Update from Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council Meeting

Published 12/12/2024 by Admin Admin

As we discussed earlier this month, Glasgow Life were to meet the Glasgow City Council finance department to discuss Cardonald Library. Councillor Alex Wilson posted the update that he received about this meeting. Picture below. I admire Alex on his tenacity on the topic.

Admitedly, it seems like a convoluted approach. On face value it looks like Glasgow Life have got surveys and various options for Cardonald Library. Then spoke to GCC finance department who then said speak to our property team. Then come back to capital board. Why so many layers?

Freedom Of Information Request

Published 01/12/2024 by Admin Admin
Freedom Of Information Request

Over the past few months I have noticed the official communications regarding Cardonald Library seem to suggest its a waiting game on the seeing whether the finances of the council will allow for remedial work to be done at Cardonald Library.

I submitted the request on the 22nd of Novemeber to Glasgow Life and i am only getting round to blogging about it now. I have no real experience in submitted freedom of information (FOI) requests, so I am hoping I have done it correctly.

The main purpose of the FOI is to try and assertain how much the various rectification costs will be. It has been reported the Library is significantly impacted by RAAC. The sceptic in me thinks that the cost will be significant and could make it a real uphill battle to get the funding to re-open it. I really hope that this isnt the case.

The other reason is that Glasgow Life are legally required to respond to me in 20 working days. Assuming i have done everything right, that means that the information should be with me around the start of the 2025. In turn, i would imagine the Glasgow Life & Glasgow City Council would treat this as being information available to the public at this point.

There has been an update that this week Glasgow Life will be meeting with Glasgow City Councils finance department. So perhaps all this information will be forthcoming before my FOI request is due to be returned?

Glasgow Life To Meet Council Finance Department

Published 01/12/2024 by Admin Admin
Glasgow Life To Meet Council Finance Department

Councillor Alex Wilson has posted an update to this facebook post around another community gathering to be held in December. He states that this week Glasgow Life will be meeting the finance department of Glasgow City Council. Glasgow Life want to re-open the library but it currently is in the hands of whether Glasgow City Council can find the money in their budget for it.

Gies Back Our Books Protest – 17th November 2024

Published 22/11/2024 by Admin Admin
Gies Back Our Books Protest – 17th November 2024Cardonald Library Protest

There is something heart warming about a community getting behind a common cause for good. I think today probably reinforced to a fair number of folk that it is not just them who miss Cardonald Library, it is many others. I am sure it has raised more awareness to local residents too. I am convinced of this, as I believe the kids there were onto 57 honks from cars by the time we left!

The mission on the facebook is quoted below:

“Driven by the frustration of waiting, waiting & waiting for any sort of communication from Glasgow Life regarding an alternative solution for library provision in Cardonald a few of us, and our incredibly motivated kids, have decided to organise a ‘gie us back our books’ meet on Sunday 17th November at 10am outside Cardonald Library i

-an attempt to make the community’s voice visible & to let those in power know that we need an alternative solution now.

In the spirit of community, solidarity & positivity we would love as many of you to join us.

Bring your banners, good vibes & flasks of tea 😁 & let them know that we will no longer be ignored.

any support would be much appreciated

many thanks

louise

I think it’s fair to say there was definetely a spirit of community, solidarity and positivity.

I will be honest, I was slightly emotional at the turn out and togetherness of the community. With a constant stream of negativity on social media and the press, it was special to see such a crowd turn out in a positive fashion.

I hope this enegisises folk to keep up the good fight, and others to join in. Keep the noise going. Email your MP, MSP, Councillor & and anyone that can help the cause. Any celebs who can weigh in and get it in the news?

I’ve put a selection of photos below. I have tried to keep kids faces out, but if anyone would like blurred etc, let me know.