Library Visits

14.00 – 17.00, Thursday 11 October

Coaches will depart promptly at 14.00 from the Marriott Hotel and return at 17.00.  Delegates will visit all three of the following:

The Mitchell Library

The Mitchell is one of Europe's great public libraries and doubles as the HQ of Glasgow's library network. It has recently undergone a major redevelopment of the ground floor and you will see the new high-tech information service; integrated theatre and conference venue; breakout spaces and business touch-down facility with cutting edge technologies.

All of this is linked to an iconic heritage building and a stylish new café-bar.

Gorbals Library and REAL Learning Centre

“What struck me about the Gorbals Library and REAL Learning Centre was that it really had a sense of ‘place' about it, creating an environment that people of every generation would want to go to spend time. Imaginative community engagement methods have meant that the Centre really does reach out to all”

Ian Mitchell – Director Regeneration, Communities Scotland.

Opened in May 2004 Gorbals Library has been a shining example of the modern day street corner university, not only addressing barriers of cost and access but providing a dedicated Digital Inclusion Team whose role is to enhance learning opportunities to support and build individual's skills and confidence and help provide a route to employment and better-paid jobs.

Winner of numerous awards we are delighted to offer you this opportunity to visit and speak directly to staff involved in this best practice initiative.

Library at the Bridge – Easterhouse

A sense of light, theatre, dramatic spaces, colour, angles and tactile surfaces heighten the sense that this is a library like no other.

Opened in July 2006 The Bridge, unique in the UK, is a ground breaking partnership between Culture and Sport Glasgow, responsible for the library and swimming pool, John Wheatley College and the Greater Easterhouse Arts Company – who altogether offer “to bridge” opportunities for the Easterhouse community.

The Bridge, generally considered to be one of the most exciting and most challenging initiatives ever taken in the leisure and cultural section in Scotland, has won several architectural awards including the: “Architecture Grand Prix” Scottish Design Awards 2007 - making this a “must see” visit.

This page was last updated on: 26 September, 2007