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.
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.
Prior to the election I emailed candidates from some of the parties about what they would do to support the re-opening of Cardonald Library. This was around mid-June 2024.
I received a positive response from the soon to be elected Labour MP, Alison Taylor.
“property is my background so this sounds a worthy cause to get involved in as I also love reading.”
Alison is a Chartered Surveyor by trade. This hopefully means we have someone qualified in the area that is impacting Cardonald Library. She offered to meet me, if successfully elected.
I sent a congratulatory email on the 5th of July, after the election. I took the opportunity to remind Alison of Cardonald Library. There was no reply, but I did phrase the email to suggest i wasnt expecting a reply at this point.
I have sent a follow up email now (November) to her MP email address (formerly it was her campaign email). In the email i highlighted/asked:
I will provide an update when I receive a response.
If you have any communications from your MP/Councillor/Council/Glasgow Life/ Others, please feel free to email me with more information. See the about page.
I walked along to see the current state of Cardonald Library.
I think many folk who walk by the library are interested to know the latest state of affairs. It is handy that there is a big notice board.
Unfortunately, Glasgow City Council nor Glasgow Life haven’t put any updates in it. However, I must say, I am interested in Ravie Davie’s wrestling bash.
It looks like a local resident has had to take it upon themselves to put a copy of correspondence in a polly pocket and zip tie to the shutter of the library. It is greatly appreciated and pictured below.
Perhaps this local resident could get the key to the above noticeboard…
Joking aside, the local community deserve clear and transparent updates directly from Glasgow City Council & Glasgow Life, in my opinion.
The building is showing signs of not being “lived in”. Dirt on the signage, paint fading, weeds untended to. I really hope it doesn’t get left into a state of complete disrepair.
