Creative children from schools in Dumbarton have played a vital role in designing the new children’s library at Glencairn House. Over 100 kids from St Michael’s Primary, Braehead Primary, and St Peter’s Primary took part in workshops to create maps that will be incorporated into the décor of the new space. The children, aged between P4 and P6, used hand-cut cardboard stamps to create colourful prints symbolizing their vision of the town’s future.
The workshops aimed to engage the youth in shaping the interior design of the new library. Councillor Martin Rooney praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of involving young people in envisioning the future of their community. The renovation of Glencairn House into a modern facility includes the construction of a three-storey extension to accommodate the library and museum.
The project involves transforming the historic building into a state-of-the-art space, with a designated children’s library pavilion opening onto a library garden with a ‘storytelling tree’. The museum will feature exhibits from local history collections, showcasing items like a Roman Medallion from 193AD and the bronze ‘Skellat Bell’ from around 900AD. Additionally, the current Dumbarton Library building will be repurposed into a community collections store and archive.
The refurbishment of Glencairn House is part of a wider initiative by the West Dunbartonshire Council supported by a Levelling Up award from the UK Government. Councillor Lawrence O’Neill expressed excitement about the project, expecting the library and museum to become a vibrant hub in Dumbarton town centre, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
In conclusion, the active involvement of children in the design process of the new library reflects a community-driven approach to revitalizing historical landmarks. By engaging young minds in shaping public spaces, the project not only fosters creativity but also instills a sense of ownership and pride in the local heritage. The transformation of Glencairn House into a modern facility is poised to enrich the cultural landscape of Dumbarton, offering a dynamic space for learning and exploration for generations to come.