Residents unhappy at public library moving into Clydebank High

Parkhall Library located on Hawthorn Street will close its doors at 1pm on October 11 after West Dunbartonshire Council made the decision to move the library into Clydebank High School.

The new space will be located in the existing school library and will open to the community after the school day has finished, operating Wednesday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm, a total of nine hours a week. 

The Parkhall Library is located on Hawthorn Street (Image: Newsquest) The council has said 'significant financial challenges' have resulted in the decision to relocate in order to maintain library provisions in the area.

Parkhall, North Kilbowie and Central Community Council say they have heard from 'various' residents who have expressed upset over the move which they say makes the library 'inaccessible'.

Library hours will be reduced opening times to nine hours a week (Image: Newsquest) A spokesperson for the community council said: "One of the main complaints was the fact there was no consultation about this.

"The council says they can't afford to keep it open because it’s one of the least used libraries in Clydebank and their preferred solution was to move it to the high school and drastically cut the hours.

"Various people are unhappy with it and have pointed out that the high school is not terribly accessible.

"We had a representative attend the meeting regarding the new proposed site of the library a couple of days ago to see what the proposals were.

"At the meeting, we were essentially told that this was a done deal."

Gillian Kirkwood, Y Sort It member, posted on social media after the Post announced the closure asking why the community were not consulted.

Community groups say they are 'unhappy' that they were not consulted (Image: Newsquest) Speaking with the Post, she said: "Nobody wants to see Parkhall Library being closed down or any community building but if they're going to relocate it then I thought I would highlight that they did not consider an alternative venue."

Gillian had suggested the use of the Hub Community Centre which is located on Kilbowie Road as an alternative that could allow for better opening hours.

She added: "I think [the school] is limiting the opening times and there are issues surrounding accessibility.

"There's the Hub and as a community centre it has some space so why not at least consider moving it there?

"Obviously the best solution would be to keep the building open but equally there's another alternative.

"It should at least have been explored, that's the feeling."

Councillor Sophie Traynor, a resident of Parkhall, says she is 'disappointed' that the move is going ahead.

She said: “As a local councillor and a Parkhall resident I know the value that this library plays within our local community.

"So, I am disappointed to see this relocation going ahead. I have been vocal against this matter during a number of previous council meetings, and I share many of the concerns that have been raised with me by residents.

"Reducing our library services is reducing the one last true community entity we have left.”

West Dunbartonshire Council has said that 'significant financial challenges' have influenced this decision.

A spokesperson said: “The co-location of Parkhall Library was agreed as part of measures to address the council’s significant financial challenge and ensures that a library provision is maintained in the area while also protecting jobs.

“Following consideration of existing venues nearby - including the Hub - the space in Clydebank High School was identified as most suitable to ensure a sustainable library provision.

“The new space will offer the same facilities as the current library, including over 2500 books, free WiFi and access to PCs and printing facilities. We are keen to enhance the library offer at the new location and are developing plans for Dungeons and Dragons and Bedtime Bookbug sessions which will be a new offer in West Dunbartonshire.”

The library will re-open in Clydebank High School on October 23.