Longing for knowledge? The Gorbals Library and Real Learning Centre stands before you ready to welcome all. This is no ordinary library. It is a place where the past meets the future.
Gorbals Library first opened as Glasgow’s first public lending library on November 11 1901. It was located in Main Street. The Glasgow Corporation Act of 1899 enabled the city to provide public library service. This was supported by rates.
Andrew Carnegie donated a large sum of money. He had left Glasgow 52 years earlier to make his fortune in the USA. This gift allowed more libraries to be planned. The original Gorbals Library soon became too small. A new library opened in Norfolk Street in 1933.
Fast forward to last June. First Minister Jack McConnell opened a new library and learning center. This marked a new chapter for the Gorbals. CRGP Limited worked with Curious Oranj on the interior design.
Tom Crombie of CRGP described the design strategy. The interior is modern and hi-tech. It focuses more on computers than books. The purpose is to educate people in IT. The library helps people access the internet. It helps them become computer literate. This improves their employability. It also allows them to enjoy surfing the net.
Flexibility was essential in the plans. The interior can be changed to suit different configurations. Lighting and IT infrastructure were designed to be adaptable.
The Gorbals Library and Real Learning Centre attracted 30000 visitors in its first month. It loaned 13000 books. The First Minister emphasized the importance of lifelong learning. He noted that the center brings learning into the heart of the community.
The center is supported by several organizations. These include the Scottish Executive and Glasgow City Council. It also provides a Business and Employability Hub. It helps people find jobs. It helps create CVs. It even assists in launching businesses. The Gorbals Library and Real Learning Centre is more than just a library. It is a hub for community learning and growth.