Refurbed Lochgilphead Library opens 22nd February

The Lochgilphead library has been closed since the beginning of October 2009 since when it has been refurbished.

• Internal walls have been removed.
• New windows and doors have been installed.
• 8 PCs wired up (one of which is for children only and another for reference enquiries)
• A new heating system and lighting scheme put in.
• New shelving has been installed, some of which is mobile to allow more flexibility in the use of space and enable different activities.
• A new disabled WC and baby change facility is also now in place.

In advance of its reopening at 1.00pm on Monday  Councillor Donnie MacMillan, chair of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, said the new library was unrecognisable from the previous facility: ‘The people of Mid Argyll have waited a long time for a modern, user-friendly library. They certainly have one now’.

‘We were all disappointed that the area was without a library building while the redevelopment took place, but I think everyone will agree that the wait has been worthwhile.

‘What we now have is a first class facility. I am confident that word of mouth will soon mean that people who might never have used the library in the past will come along to make use of this bright, spacious building. Old and new customers will discover that it boasts something for everyone.’

Lochgilphead Library originally moved into the Manse Brae building in the early 1980s. In recent years, it proved increasingly difficult to provide an up to date library service within the cramped and ageing surroundings.

The layout of the building involved a lot of wasted space. The shelving was inflexible and in poor condition.

The decision was taken to open up the interior by removing internal walls, created the bright open space which it now offers.

The new library is now able to host a variety of activities and events as well as the leisure and learning support traditionally associated with library services.

The first of these activities will be regular Rhymetimes for the area’s youngest children and their carers, details of which will be announced in the near future.

The Library Service will consulting the local community over the next few months to make sure that the best service possible is provided in the redeveloped building.

Opening hours at Lochgilphead Library are:

• 1.00pm-7.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays
• 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm on Fridays.