Creative school pupils in Dumbarton will have their artwork showcased as part of the design of a new children’s library being built at Glencairn House.
More than 100 kids from St Michael’s Primary, Braehead Primary and St Peter’s Primary all participated in workshops to create maps which will become part of the décor in the new space.
The children, ranging from P4 to P6, used hand-cut cardboard stamps in motifs and shapes with meaning to them and the local area to create colourful prints that depict the future of the town.
And their handiwork will be joined together to create a giant map which will be included in the standalone children’s library being erected at the rear of the historic building.
The workshops were held as work at the site of the new library and museum in the heart of Dumbarton Town Centre moves forward at pace.
Councillor Martin Rooney, Convener of Corporate Services, said: “It’s fantastic that we are getting our young people involved in shaping what their new library will look like inside, and asking them to use their creativity to visualise what the future of Dumbarton could be.
“With the refurbishment of Dumbarton’s oldest building breathing new life into the High Street, it’s a great time to look to the future.
“This is their new library and we want their input so it is a space they can be proud of, relate to and of course enjoy spending time in.
“Work on the new library and museum is progressing really well, and I am looking forward to bringing such a key resource into the heart of the town centre for our residents to enjoy.”
When complete, Glencairn House will be transformed, with the building overhauled into a state-of-the-art facility.
Construction of a three-storey extension to create extra space to house the library and museum is underway.
The property, with its landmark arch windows, has lain vacant for several years and is undergoing a meticulous restoration of the existing structure while preserving its historic elements. As well as dedicated spaces for children and families, it will provide access to computers, quiet study areas and relaxed meetings spaces.
The standalone children’s library pavilion will be created at the back of the building, opening out onto a library garden centred on the existing tree which will become the garden’s ‘storytelling tree’.
Museum displays will be integrated throughout the building, featuring key objects from the Council’s museum, archive, and local history collections that tell stories of Dumbarton. Items on display will include some of the oldest in the Council’s collection, including a Roman Medallion from 193AD and the bronze ‘Skellat Bell’ from around 900AD.
The current Dumbarton Library building will be transformed into a community collections store and archive, open to the public.
Thew new facility will, for the first time, enable access to the stored objects and documents in West Dunbartonshire’s heritage collections. It will also create new and exciting opportunities for the local community and visitors to the area to engage with, explore and learn more about the collections.
The project is one of three being undertaken in the area as part of a Levelling Up award made to the Council by the UK Government.
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, said: “The refurbishment of Glencairn House will be a great asset in the town centre, giving access to a fantastic resource right in the heart of our community, while preserving the significant history of Glencairn House.
“I’m excited to see the library and museum at Glencairn House become a thriving hub in the centre of Dumbarton, benefiting businesses, residents and visitors.”