Thornliebank Library has hosted the Thornliebank SOTE group meetings since they began in October 1998.
Librarians such as Catherine Rennie (above left) and Marie Sullivan (above right) - who has since left for a new position - have been a great help to Pat and the group members.
The library was built as the Alexander Crum Memorial Library and opened in 1897. It was built in honour of the printworks owner, who died in 1893. It served as a canteen during World War II. After the War, it was converted into a branch of the County Library. A handcrafted quilt hangs in the group's meeting room to commemorate the centennial of the library, which was celebrated in 1997.
JESSIE: "If you take away the [ceiling] tiles, there's beautiful [art]work underneath. They've covered it up. It was an old-fashioned library, and it was dark, and Alec Halliday was the librarian then."
ANNIE: "There used to be a big, open coal fireplace... you weren't allowed to make a noise or anything. You went in on your tiptoes, and if you made a noise you were barred!"
Created by
Paula Cuccurullo and Howard
Mitchell
Updated 1 September 1999
© 1999 WEA Scotland
