A new chapter is beginning at Port Glasgow Library which has reopened following a makeover.

The Fore Street facility has been redeveloped as part of a project carried out by ICC Member, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), which is also a tenant in the town centre Municipal Buildings, to expand their office space.

Owners Inverclyde Council, also an ICC Member, has also invested in upgrades, including new shelving. Staff have begun welcoming back visitors for the first time since December last year when the library shut to allow for the work to be carried out.

A temporary ‘pop-up’ facility was in operation at nearby 7½ John Wood Street during the closure to keep people connected with services.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council and convener of education and communities, said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to accommodate the expansion of the office space for an important business tenant while seeing a revamped, open-plan Port Glasgow Library being delivered at the same time.

“The clever reconfiguration of the ground floor means there is a more efficient use of space and an enhanced flow of people through the building to maximise day-to-day events and activities for staff and customers.

“Libraries are valuable resources for communities in offering not only an excellent selection of books to enjoy but also providing computer access and various classes and events for adults and children.

“I wish staff and customers of Port Glasgow continued joy and success for the next chapter of their library.”

The new-look Port Library now has more emphasis on computer facilities and providing space for other digital resources in a bright, open atrium area.

Moveable shelving allows for group activities, such as classes, school visits and events like the popular children’s Bookbug reading sessions.

The library is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-4pm and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am- 1pm.

For more information about library services in Inverclyde, log on to www.inverclyde.gov.uk/libraries and visit the Inverclyde Libraries pages on Facebook and Twitter.