A Lanarkshire library will be revamped into a multifunctional community hub this year after a successful takeover bid by locals.
Community group, Bothwell Futures, have outlined big plans for Bothwell Library after completing a community asset transfer of the building.
The group will officially take over it next month before carrying out repairs and renovation of the site, with the project expected to be completed by November.
These works will include repairs to the roofing and windows, with better access for disabled people also being installed.
The main library space and some of the back-office rooms will be developed, with a new staircase and modern toilets also due to be built.
The move promises to pave the way for the future of Bothwell residents and provide a free social space for younger generations.
Chairman of Bothwell Futures, Kevin Moore, told Lanarkshire Live : "Once the repair works are complete we will work to remodel the building inside to create a community hub of which the library will be an integral part of.
"One of the challenges we have in the Bothwell community is there is fairly limited buildings left that are available to the community.
"We developed a 20-year plan, and whatever assets we still had in the the village, we wanted to try and retain them for the good of the community. And the first one that became obvious was the Bothwell Library building."
The asset transfer process has run smoothly as South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) worked with Bothwell Futures for the new plans to go ahead.
"So far it's been a very good arrangement. We've worked really well together", added Kevin.
The group decided on the move due to the condition of the building and the library's limited footfall.
Once their works are complete, Bothwell Futures will lease the specific book-reading area of the library back to South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture but will maintain the running of the full building and the new social space.
Kevin explained: "I have 100 per cent confidence that we will have a very good community hub.
"We're in this for the long term. What we're trying to do as a board of trustees is to build the community for our young families and young people. We want a nice place for those people to live and grow in."
Last week, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley and Bothwell and Uddingston MSP Stephanie Callaghan met with Bothwell Futures to discuss their ambitions for the library.
Ms Crawley said: “Bothwell Futures and SLC have worked very hard to deliver Bothwell Library back into the community as a hub including the library services.
“It is important that community assets remain under community control so this move will keep the library in the hands of the people of Bothwell.
“Bothwell Futures are a terrific, community-focussed organisation and I wish them every success with this venture.”
And Ms Callaghan added: “I have been so impressed by the work of Kevin Moore and all the team at Bothwell Futures.
"They have created a wonderful, long term, sustainable vision for Bothwell village, with the transfer of the library serving as the beating hub of a reimagined community.
“A community vision that not only celebrates Bothwell’s historic past, but will place the transferred, beautiful library building at the centre of new, more vibrant Bothwell experience for residents, businesses and visitors alike."
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