READER Talkback -- Moving The Central Library

I was wondering what people think about the announced relocation of the Central Library? I feel it's another loss to the town. The library was purpose-built and the new location is smaller than the current location. It seems like progress in reverse to close a good library building to the public. Those of us who benefited from it need to think about the legacy the next generation will have. I'm glad that the generation before mine had the good sense to build what is a wonderful facility. I find it hard to believe the new location will be an improvement.

Megan

I completely agree with Megan. Further, the library's final destination will be Wallace Place. It moved out of there in the 60s. If the building wasn't fit for use in the 60s, how can it be in 2012?

Millie

I agree with Megan, I've grown up with the Central Library being where it is. It's a lovely building that's simply a joy to spend time in. In Greenock, everyone knows the central library at the top of the spiral walkway, it's iconic, and something we should be protective of. Please reconsider turning our beloved library building into yet another unit of bland, featureless office space.

Mark

I'm saddened to see the move for several reasons.

Firstly, while many councils all over the UK built some hideous monstrosities of civic buildings in the 1960's and 70's, the Central Library is actually a fine example of contemporary architecture, fit for purpose.

Secondly, to convert this building into council offices is detrimental to both Clyde and Cathcart Squares. It seems counterproductive to encourage public use of Cathcart Square with events and markets, and at the same time discourage public use by wasting a building with excellent utility on council staff. This simply reduces footfall, growth, and is bad for the micro-economy around the whole Clyde Square to Central Station area. This area was once the bustling town centre. It was once, very busy. And it was rebuilt with some care and pride after the Blitz, however since the 1970's it really has been neglected, and its full potential has far from ever been realised.

Thirdly, I think we all understand the nature of Libraries has changed since the advent of the Internet. However, most public libraries in the UK have failed to adapt and embrace new ideas and strategies to continue to be the useful community hubs that they have been previously. There is a great deal more that Libraries could do, but currently do not. The current Clyde Square building has far more potential for that than Wallace Square, or any other similar building. In many ways it's a tragedy that the open space outside the doors of the Central Library has never been used for any real purpose -- it seems to be crying out for that, and I'm sure its architect designed that space with events in mind.

All in all, this move seems to result from a profound lack of vision and creativity in the Council. With events like the Tall Ships, and the increasing (though long overdue) use of Cathcart Square there's a fantastic opportunity to grow the local economy by making the Central Library an hub for new creativity, tourism and profit. That will be killed stone-dead with this move. Clyde Square will become desolate and abandoned in a couple of years, rather than benefit from the flagship library that Central Library could so easily be.

It's sad, though wholly unsurprising, that there's been next to no consultation or democracy involved in this move too. This is a bad decision for the economy of Inverclyde. It's a typical municipal, blinkered, short-run, uncreative way of looking at public resources. It does not best-serve the electorate of Inverclyde, it merely serves the indulgence of council employees.

Smith

The present building is a complete eyesore.

Mary

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