THE Glasgow Women's Library which attracts visitors from around the world is moving to the city's East End.

It is switching to a historic building which opened more than 100 years ago to house the Bridgeton District Library.

The move will be made next year following the completion of a new £10million community hub at the site of the local Olympia Theatre.

Bridgeton Library will move to the hub from Landressy Street where it opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1906 following a donation of £100,000 from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie towards the cost of establishing a network of district libraries across Glasgow.

The Landressy Street building will undergo minor renovations before Glasgow Women's Library moves early next year.

It is currently based at the Mitchell Library but has had a series of temporary homes since its launch as an unfunded community project in a shopfront in Garnethill 21 years ago.

The city's libraries are run by Glasgow Life, an arms-length organisation operated by Glasgow City Council.

The theatre transformation at Bridgeton Cross is being undertaken by regeneration officials Clyde Gateway.

Chief executive Ian Manson said: "The Landressy Street building has been a hugely important part of the Bridgeton community for more than 100 years and it was always our hope and ambition to help secure a continued and appropriate use for the time after the library moves to the Olympia.

"I think it is equally significant and exciting that the Glasgow Women's Library has chosen to move to the East End.

"The GWL team were the first people we spoke to once we knew the Landressy Street building would be available.

"They have been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about ensuring such a great old building would remain in a use similar to its origins."

Sue John, enterprise development manager at the GWL, said: "We are delighted and honoured to be relocating to Bridgeton and to be joining a community with such a rich heritage and proud history.

"The Landressy Street Library building is a magnificent landmark and we look forward to extending a warm welcome to all."

An accredited museum, Glasgow Women's Library was founded in September, 1991, and is a unique Scottish resource.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk