It opened a whole new world of reading to Glasgow’s disadvantaged citizens more than a century ago thanks to a bequest from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Users of the long since demolished Anderston Library, under what is now the Kingston Bridge, had to ask librarians to view books which they had to read standing at lecterns after it opened in 1904.
Although it was pulled down as part of the M8 construction work that saw the motorway literally drive a wedge through the city, its spiritual successor in 1984 opened in the form of an Anderston branch in the nearby Mitchell Library in 1984.
Now MCR Pathways, charity which helps improved the lives of vulnerable people is to continue Anderston’s noble tradition, by taking up residence in a brand new volunteering hub developed in the library.
Founded in 2007 by social entrepreneur Iain MacRitchie MCR Pathways – which is backed by The Herald – delivers Young Glasgow Talent, a schools-based mentoring programme to support those in or on the edges of the care system to realise their full potential through education. Mr MacRitchie , said: “Moving into a permanent home in a publically accessible, landmark building will further strengthen our links with the Glasgow community, enabling us to engage with more mentors and support more young people.
Read more: Iain MacRitchie lands St Mungo Prize for changing young lives
“We are very excited to be re-developing the Anderston Library reading room inside the Mitchell Library and look forward to working with Glasgow Life to provide new opportunities for young people.”
The hub, which will be designed with input from young people taking part in the mentoring programme, will provide a city-centre headquarters to support more than 1,000 registered mentors already on the MCR Foundation’s books.
Councillor Archie Graham OBE, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “In Glasgow we are fortunate to have 33 libraries city-wide, one in every council ward and in today’s society these multi-purpose hubs have adapted to offer our citizens much more than access to books and reading materials.
“Glasgow’s libraries now support residents to engage with a wide range of cultural, social and economic services and I can think of no better home for this pioneering community initiative, than inside one of Glasgow’s most iconic community-hub spaces.”
One of the first libraries opened thanks to funding from the Scottish-American philanthropist Carnegie, the original Anderston Library in MacIntyre Street was said to be the finest district library building in Glasgow.
It was also the first purpose-built lending library, earlier libraries having been opened in shared premises, where readers would pick a book from a catalogue of 10,000 volumes before asking for it at the counter.
Most of Anderston and Charing Cross was demolished for the M8.
Agenda: Helping disadvantaged young people on the path to fulfilment
Can you help a young person realise their full potential and be defined by their talent not their circumstances?
The Herald is supporting the Young Glasgow Talent campaign by MCR Pathways in its citywide plan and national ambition.
More disadvantaged young Glaswegians, are signing up for mentors to help them overcome barriers and inequality to be all that they can be. Can you help them? One hour a week and a willingness to put a young person first are all you need. You will make and experience a life-changing difference in helping a young person to find, grow and use their talents.
MCR Pathways will provide all the training and support you need.
For more information or to register, please go to www.youngglasgowtalent.org, email info@mcrpathways.org or call 0141 221 6642.
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