Basic Site Details Name: | Elder Public Library | Town, district or village: | Govan | City or county: | Glasgow | Country: | Scotland | Parish: | | Status: | | Grid ref: | | Notes: | Elder Park Library is the only surviving Glasgow branch library which pre-dates the Carnegie Libraries. Opened on 5 September 1903 by Andrew Carnegie, it is the only Glasgow suburban library which he is recorded as having ever visited. The library, along with Elder Park, was donated to the burgh of Govan by Mrs Isabella Elder, the widow of the ship builder John Elder
The new Carnegie library at Elder N B (opened on the 5th inst) which is built in the classic style of architecture, occupies a site on the south-eastern corner of Elder Park. The principal elevation contains an entrance colonnade which forms a centre piece to the building. Surmounting this is a balustrade on which is carved the Govan coat of arms. The interior includes news-room, reference libraries, museum, juvenile room, librarian’s room and lending library. Accommodation is provided in the last for between 30,000 and 40,000 volumes. The architect of the building is Mr John James Burrow (sic), Glasgow, and the cost is estimated at £27,000.[British Architect 11 September 1903 Page 199]
Govan, Glasgow.—The Elder Free Library, which has been gifted to the burgh of Govan by Mrs John Elder, who has, in addition, endowed the building, was opened on Saturday afternoon by Dr Andrew Carnegie. The library, which is Classic in character, occupies a site at the southeast corner of Elder Park. An entrance portico forms the central features of the chief front. The interior includes newsroom, reference libraries for men and women, museum, juvenile room, librarian's room, and lending library. Accommodation is provided in the last for between 30,000 and 40,000 volumes. The architect is Mr. John James Burnet, A.R.S.A., Glasgow, and the cost has been £27,000. [Building News 18 September 1903 page 373]
Sculptors: Holmes and Jackson. | Alternative NamesThe following alternative names are associated with this building/design: | | Name | Current name? | Notes | | Elder Park Library | Yes | |
Building Type ClassificationThe building is classified under the following categories: | | Classification | Original classification? | Notes | | Library | | |
Street AddressesThe following street addresses are associated with this building: | | Address | Main entrance? | Notes | | 228a, Langlands Road | Yes | |
EventsThe following date-based events are associated with this building: | | From | To | Event type | Notes | | 1901 | 1903 | Build/construction | Original building | | 1921 | 1925 | Alterations and additions | Alterations at rear, deepening the plan and re-erecting original rear elevation on new line |
PeopleDesign and ConstructionClientsThe following individuals or organisations have commissioned work on this building/design: | | Name | Notes | | Elder, Mrs Isabella | the widow of the ship builder John Elder |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this building: | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | McKenzie, Ray | 2002 | Public sculpture of Glasgow (Public sculpture of Great Britain series) | | Liverpool University Press | p463 | | RSA | 1910 | | | | 370 | | Williamson, Riches, Higgs | 1990 | Glasgow (The Buildings of Scotland) | | | p592 |
Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this building: | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | | Architect | 17 March 1905 | | | | | Architect | 7 April 1905 | | | | | British Architect | 11 September 1903 | | | p199 - opening | | Building News | 18 September 1903 | | | p373 - opening |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this building: | | Source | Archive name | Source catalogue no. | Notes | | Historic Environment Scotland | Listed Buildings Register | 33310 | | | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | Thomas Stewart Purdie: L v25 no2068; James Wilkie Weddell: L v21 no1667 |
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