Celebrating 100 years of Shettleston Library

On 20th February 1925, a great day dawned for Shettleston, when it celebrated the opening of the district’s new library.

Lord Provost Montgomery spoke at the opening ceremony:

“I noticed with disgust the other day," he said, " a reference in a newspaper to the extension of the boundaries, by some gentleman' who said that the promises of the Corporation were like the promises of the Germans: they were scraps of paper." That was a most unfair and untrue statement, continued the Lord Provost, and one which would not bear the slightest investigation. There had been delays, but the delays could be easily justified.”

“He was proud to say that the word of Glasgow Corporation was now and at all times honoured as its bond. He desired publicly to refute the statement which had been made. They were still trying to extend their boundaries, and it would be a pity if any such idea went forth that promises made to outlying districts were not fulfilled.”

Daily Record 21st February 1925

The 1912 Glasgow Boundaries Act had increased the population of Glasgow to over a million – alongside the western districts of Anniesland and Scotstoun, Shettleston and Tollcross joined the city from the east. Inhabitants of the annexed areas and their elected representatives expected facilities such as wash-houses, schools and public halls, and newspapers and public meetings clamoured for them from Partick to Parkhead.

Councillor MacNab. Convenor of the Libraries Committee, who presided, said they had met to discharge the obligation undertaken by the Corporation of Glasgow to the people of Shettleston, previous to their annexation 12 years ago, to provide a library, and also washhouses and baths, plans for which were now completed and building would soon begin. But for the war these things would have been done long ago. 

The libraries in Govan, Partick and Whiteinch would be finished the end of this year, so that, including Cathcart, five libraries would have been added to the number in Glasgow within 18 months. In the district libraries there were 320,000 volumes. and in the Mitchell and Commercial reference there were 300,000 volumes, a total of 620,000 books, any one of which could be brought to Shettleston Library. During a visit to the building when it was in course of construction, Bailie M'Lean, Convener of the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee, and the librarian, found that a robin had made a nest near the ventilator next to the reading room. The bird had now departed, said the Bailie, who suggested, amid laughter, that perhaps it had gone to London to meet its friend, John Wheatley. He was sure it would be able to make a very favourable report.

Daily Record 21^st February 1925

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"There are three main departments: the Lending Department, (worked on the modern free access system) well stocked with the finest of literature; a magnificently light and airy General Reading Room; and a combined Lending Department and Reading Room for the Children.

The fittings and the appointments of the building are of the finest, and to the visitor used to other local libraries in the city make these look positively shabby and unattractive by comparison.

The librarian, Mr. T. Lauder Ross, came from Springburn Public Library, and received his training in the Mitchell.

“In a word, the premises are one of the finest £21,000 investments ever made by the Corporation. The public duties of the library began on Monday; Shettlestonians who have not made acquaintance with the new premises should visit the "cute" little table at the door where the entrance forms are stocked, and "sign on.” That is what the library is there for.” 

When an Argus representative called on Mr. J. Lauder Ross, the librarian of the new Shettleston library, he learned that up till Tuesday night 1100 applications for membership forms had been received. This included non rate-payers' and ratepaters’ forms.

“I think we’ve made a grand debut" said Mr. Ross. “On Monday a total of 414 books was issued by the lending department, on Tuesday we had an attendance estimated at 1672."

This large attendance can easily be understood as on Tuesday afternoon a scene which can be adequately described as "unprecedented " was witnessed outside the library.

Shortly after four o'clock hundreds of school children were on the scene, and the commissioner who was in attendance had great difficulty in keeping the children in order. They swarmed round the door like bees round a hive.

Will the rush continue or is it only momentary?

Time will tell."

Glasgow Eastern Argus 27th February 1925

In 1995, the library celebrated its 70th birthday with quizzes, games, and face painting. It had  been renovated and reopened in 1989. The bright red invitation to the opening ceremony is at the top of this page.

The East End Independent 9th March 1995 reported:

“A most impressive feature which has been retained from the original interior is the Saint Mungo stained-glass panel, suspended spectacularly above the reception desk, and immediately visible on entering the building.”

So has the clamour of the opening week continued through the century? 100 years after the momentous day Shettleston Library is still a vital part of the local community, with a lending library, access to computers, book bug sessions & knitting group, as well as regular visits from the thriving local history group.

We're looking forward to the next chapter!