Television star Sean Batty and The Gruffalo both booked in to help celebrate a blockbuster first year for Paisley’s showpiece new central library.
More than 115,000 visits have been made to the award-winning High Street venue, with almost 46,000 books borrowed, since it opened on November 30th last year.
Almost 300 events have also taken place there, ranging from children’s storytelling sessions and talks by authors to technology tutorials to open new opportunities.
Those latest events involved Paisley’s STV weather presenter Sean – who recently released his first Christmas children’s book – as well as Scottish author Julia Donaldson’s legendary children’s character The Gruffalo.
The £7m Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, which houses the library and is operated by charitable trust OneRen, was created as part of Renfrewshire Council’s landmark investment programme in the town’s cultural venues.
Photo: Sean Batty talks about his new book
It opened a new chapter in a formerly empty High Street building, giving people another reason to visit. The building features state-of-the-art facilities, an extensive collection of books and dynamic digital resources, embracing its mission to blend tradition with modernity.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen and Renfrewshire Council’s cultural spokesperson, said: “I am so proud of Paisley central library. It is a real success story – a venue which shines brightly in the heart of our High Street and is helping to improve lives.
“In a short space of time, the library and learning hub has become established not just as a must-visit venue but as one of Scotland’s best library facilities. It is a huge asset to the town and wider Renfrewshire, increasing footfall and adding to the area’s vibrancy.
“What’s most exciting is that this first year really is just an introduction for what’s to come. I really am looking forward to even more people discovering this great place as it becomes an even bigger part of life in Paisley.”
Over the weekend, The Gruffalo took centre stage as 252 people enjoyed a special storytelling experience.
Paisley Central Library: First year facts and figures
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115,336 people have visited
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45,815 physical books have been issued
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16,169 people have benefitted from digital assistance
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11.516 individual PC sessions have been logged
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286 events have been held there
Robert Hamilton visited with his daughter Poppy and commented: “We had a fun time at the library for the Gruffalo storytelling. It’s great to have free family events like this on our doorstep.”
The character’s visit came after Sean Batty kickstarted the celebrations with a special signing of his new book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER, on Thursday (November 28).
In it, he takes readers on a ride around the world, using real-life weather events to tell an exciting and thought-provoking story. From record-breaking snowfalls in Japan to wildfires in Australia, floods in South Sudan, and even unseasonably warm December weather in the Scottish Highlands (based on the record 18.7°C recorded in Achfary on December 28, 2019), the book draws inspiration from actual climate events.
And it was a hit with families who were keen to get their hands on signed copies as well as selfies with the personality, with the event forming part of the festivities for Paisley’s Christmas lights switch-on.
Stephen Slevin, Libraries Development Co-Ordinator at OneRen, said: “It was great to celebrate the library’s anniversary in style.
“Paisley Central Library has become a thriving community hub. Over the past year, we’ve seen the library transform lives, spark creativity, and serve as a place where everyone feels welcome. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the years ahead.
“Our team has done a tremendous job, which really is making a difference to the health and happiness of the people who visit.”
Throughout the past year, the library has partnered with local schools and community groups, creating educational programmes whilst delivering critical services including free public wifi and IT, digital support and spaces for quiet study.
Next year Paisley Central Library will be part of OneRen’s annual Book Festival. It will take place from 25th – 27th April 2025.
Designed by Collective Architecture, the building has been recognised with several awards including the ESG Refurbishment of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards and the Physical category at the EDGE Awards, as well as taking home silver in the Regeneration Category at the Scottish Design Awards.
For more information about the anniversary celebrations or the library’s services, please visit: https://www.oneren.org/culture/libraries.