The first community-owned public library to be built in Scotland for generations has opened in Strathblane. The Thomas Graham Community Library, which was financed by the local community, is part of a £1m hub that includes meeting and social facilities.
We were appointed to deliver the new community facility which has replaced what is normally a council-funded facility. Strathblane’s old library was housed in an ageing portable cabin but was exceptionally popular, attracting 33,000 visits a year from 1500 people.
The new library is a community hub for Strathblane and the adjoining villages of Blanefield, Mugdock and Carbeth, providing social, recreational and education services to approximately 2300 residents.
The facility was designed by Thomas Robinson Architects, and is carbon-neutral thanks to its renewable energy system. The complex installation comprises roof-mounted solar panels and an air-source heat pump, together with battery and thermal storage facilities, all of which is managed by a sophisticated control programme donated by local firm. Fleming Timber Structures also designed, manufactured and erected the glulam frame structure which incorporated glulam and structural timber for walls and roof.
The building is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Strathblane Community Development Trust (SCTD) and the library is leased and operated by Stirling Council.
