A LIBRARY in Glasgow's Southside is set to receive a £183,000 upgrade including vital repairs.

Work at Govanhill Library is about to get under way, Glasgow Life has confirmed.

The upgrade includes essential internal and external structural improvements, including strengthening the library’s back wall and installing roof railings for safety purposes.

The project was halted by the pandemic, and will be carried out by contractor City Building Glasgow.

Work will start on Saturday, June 4, with the library open from 10am-2pm on this day.

From that date, the building will be closed for the duration of the works, which are estimated to take ten weeks.

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To support library users during this temporary closure, nearby Gorbals Library will return to its pre-pandemic hours from Monday, June 6: Monday 10am-5pm, Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday closed.

Glasgow Life Libraries users will also be able to borrow books and attend weekly classes and events at nearby Langside and Pollokshields libraries while the work is carried out.

Glasgow Life said its Communities Team is currently exploring ways of offering alternative services and access to activities for children, young people, and families within Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre throughout the closure, including the opportunity to get involved in the national Summer Reading Challenge.

Andrew Olney, head of communities and libraries at Glasgow Life, said: “Libraries are at the heart of Glasgow’s communities, and Govanhill Library is no different.

"This investment of £183,000 is necessary to improve the structure of the library and will ensure it remains a vital community facility, for the people who love and use it, for years to come.

"Our nearby libraries at Langside, Gorbals and Pollokshields will be providing the same services for users while the work is being carried out.”

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Once reopened, it’s intended Govanhill Library will return to its pre-pandemic hours: Monday 10am-5pm, Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday closed .