Margaret Oliphant Library has officially opened in its new home in Wallyford Learning Campus.
I’m sure visitors will be as impressed as I have been with the quality of the space
The library was previously based within the neighbouring Wallyford Primary School. As part of the wider campus, it provides library services for Rosehill High School learners and offers a larger space for members of the public alongside the rest of the campus’ extensive community facilities. Phased opening will see the library open to the public on Fridays (2pm to 5pm) and Saturdays (10am to 1pm) working towards an increase in hours in the coming months.
Nature-inspired interiors
The library takes its name from a 19th century writer, Margaret Oliphant, who lived in Wallyford while the design echoes the nature-inspired interiors across the campus which reflect the area surrounding the building. It features light wooden finishes, extensive use of glass with views to the east of Wallyford, soft sage and teal furnishings and adjoins a large lecture space which will be available for community use. The library has plenty of space for weekly Bookbug sessions which are due to begin on Saturday 7 October.
As a shared school and community library there's a large selection of stock available for children, teens and young adults alongside the books for adults that have been moved across from the old space. Self-service machines allow library users to check-out and return books while the library service’s online catalogue a wide range of titles including audio books which can be ordered and delivered to the site.
A very special place
Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Colin McGinn visited the library to meet the team and view the new space. He said: “Libraries occupy a very special place in our communities, and this is definitely a very special environment that will be fantastic for pupils and the whole area.
“I’m sure visitors will be as impressed as I have been with the quality of the space, how carefully it has been planned, the finish and attention to detail – and that’s before we consider the wide selection of materials available! There are even board games making this perfect for families to come and read, relax, play and enjoy. The whole team are excited to open to the community and start welcoming people in.”
Community partners
The library team will be consulting with visitors about the sorts of activities and regular events they’d like to see held at Wallyford. Libraries and Customer Services Team Manager Caroline Messer said: “We’re delighted with our new space and the potential to work closely with our community partners as they join us in the building. There are already some great activities run through the school library for young people and we’re looking forward to working with the community to plan activities alongside the welcome return of our weekly Bookbug session.”
'Incredible new building'
Mark Jamieson, School Librarian for Rosehill High School has been working in the space since the start of the term and can see how well received it has been by staff and learners. Mark said: “I work closely with the English and Literacy department to make sure our young people are aware of the myriad of resources available to them to support their curricular and extra-curricular learning. It is a privilege to work with the staff in this incredible new building and I have especially enjoyed building a rapport with pupils.”
The Margaret Oliphant Library is the latest part of the Wallyford Learning Campus to open. Rosehill High School opened its doors to learners at the start of the school term in August and has been using the library during the school day. Sports pitches are due to open to the community from October and the new Wallyford Community Centre, which relocated from its previous home in the village’s Albert Place, will open in November.