ELDERPARK LIBRARY

The Elderpark Library was a gift, like many other landmarks, to the people of Govan from Mrs Isabella Elder, wife of the famous Clyde shipbuilder, John.
Situated at the south-east corner of Elder Park, it was originally a reading and reference library with funds provided for the acquisition of reading materials for the enjoyment and edification of the working class men and women of Govan.
It was opened in 1903 by the Scots-American industrialist, Andrew Carnegie (himself a renowned philanthropist).
It was designed by John James Burnet (1901-1903) in a continental baroque style of a park pavilion. It retained some elements of his own characteristic detailing. At the entrance a colonnade curves out following the domed bow facade, supported by a simple but elegant series of columns.
Despite this grandeur, the actual entrance is far from splendid, being stuck away to one side. On the balustrade are figures of a draughtsman and shipwright on either side of the Govan Coat of Arms.
In the hallway are marble busts of John and Isabella Elder.
The rear of the building was extended and remodelled in the 1920's and the interior was beautifully repanelled and opened up between 1959 and 1962.

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