Empty retail units in the area have been transformed into a modern and well-equipped library following £420,000 investment from the Council, including £190,000 from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund*.
The brand new facility was built in response to a residents’ survey that asked people wanted in their local area and it forms part of the major regeneration of the Cornton precinct (located to the north of Stirling city centre). Stirling Council approved the creation of Cornton Library in January 2022 when planning permission to convert two disused retail units was granted.
Cornton Library is the second Stirling Council library to open this year after the ribbon was cut on the Thomas Graham Library in Strathblane on 18 April.
'Significant appetite for a library'
Cornton Library is now part of a network of libraries across Stirling which offers advice services, cultural events, learning and development opportunities and activities for children and young people.
Users will also have access to wide range of digital facilities including computers, tablets and photocopying. They will also be able to access the library service’s new free tablet lending service which was introduced earlier in the month.
'Commitment to invest in libraries'
Community Wellbeing and Housing Convener, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “There has been significant appetite for a library within Cornton for some time so I’m thrilled to see this fantastic facility open and ready to serve the local community.
“The substantial investment in this project underlines Stirling Council’s commitment to invest in libraries as essential community hubs that are relevant to users and fit for the 21st century.
“Local Government finances are under pressure, but we have a strong track record of prioritising and investing in our libraries service as they enrich the lives of all of Stirling’s age-groups, enhance well-being and support the regeneration of our communities.
“The library in Cornton looks amazing and I look forward to seeing it thrive as a fixture within the heart of the community for many years to come.”
Patricia McCormick from Cornton Action Planning Partnership (CAPP) said: “The library is a great addition to the community and the children are loving it.”
With Cornton Library open, Stirling Council now operate 17 libraries and two mobile libraries within the local authority area.
*Stirling Council was awarded £1,077,000 from the Scottish Government and COSLA’s Town Centre Fund in 2019. Money from this funding was made available for projects to repurpose disused buildings for housing, business, retail, leisure, visitor attractions, heritage, and culture
