A Century of Stories: Airdrie Library Celebrates 100 Years with Grand Events

Published 2 months ago2 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
A Century of Stories: Airdrie Library Celebrates 100 Years with Grand Events

Airdrie Library recently marked a significant historical milestone, celebrating its 100th anniversary with a diverse programme of events that brought the community together. Councillor Jim Logue, the leader of North Lanarkshire Council, was a prominent figure in the celebrations, joining local children from the 'Time Travellers' initiative for a special time capsule burial. This capsule was filled with cherished memories and creative work from the children, symbolizing the library's enduring legacy and its connection with younger generations. The children also presented a short film, created by local filmmaker Colin Mathieson, which highlighted their project and contributions to the centenary.

Councillor Logue emphasized the library's pivotal role in the community, stating, "Airdrie Library has been at the heart of our community for a century, offering generations a place to learn, connect and grow." He further noted that "The anniversary celebrations show just how important it continues to be, especially for our young people," expressing pride in the creativity and enthusiasm displayed during this landmark occasion. The celebrations also featured a film produced by the library's digital team, showcasing a specially commissioned poem by local poet Ross Mitchell. This poem, which explores the library's significance and its place within the community, was screened in the library's new immersive room. The day’s festivities culminated in a traditional cake-cutting ceremony, elegantly concluding the library's centenary commemoration.

The evening programme offered a thought-provoking session with acclaimed author Graeme Armstrong. His talk delved into complex issues such as male violence and mental health prevalent in the West of Scotland, examining their causes and potential solutions. Armstrong compellingly interlaced his presentation with personal reflections on his youth in Airdrie, including his experiences as a gang member and his arduous journey towards recovery. His personal story illustrates a powerful transformation from being both a victim and perpetrator of crime to becoming an acclaimed author who now actively influences policy on crime, making his insights particularly impactful.

Looking ahead, North Lanarkshire Council has ambitious plans for the library as part of the broader 'Rediscovering Airdrie' project. These plans involve a comprehensive refurbishment and modernization of the facility. Key aspects of this initiative include the demolition of the existing 1960s extension, paving the way for the creation of new meeting rooms, an innovative outside viewing platform, and a dedicated new learning space for the observatory. These planned enhancements aim to ensure Airdrie Library continues to serve its community effectively and remains a vibrant hub for learning and connection for many years to come.

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