The new library, located next to Stepps Primary School, provides visitors with a warm, welcoming space to enjoy.

It includes a multi-purpose room, children’s area, IT facilities, free Wi-Fi, a scanner and printing facilities – and, of course, a wide range of books to read.

There are study areas and couches to sit, relax and immerse yourself in a new novel.

To celebrate the opening, children’s author Danny Scott took children on a creative writing masterclass, where they used their imaginations to create a brand-new tale.

Earlier, Provost Kenneth Duffy unveiled a plaque with the help of Stepps PS pupil librarians to commemorate the occasion.

Provost Duffy said: “The reopening of Stepps Community Library is wonderful news for the residents. I’m sure people of all ages will benefit from its superb facilities.”

The library was forced to close in March 2020 to allow essential repair work and improvements to take place within the adjacent school building.

The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed progress, and while additional mobile library services were arranged, the reopening was a moment that locals had long waited for.

“We are delighted to have it back,” said Campbell Provan, vice-chair of Stepps and District Community Council. “We’ve worked closely with the library service to get to this point – it really does look great, and I’m sure it will once again become a much-loved community facility.”

The library will have the same opening hours as before and will offer the same high-quality services for the community.

Bookbug sessions offering stories, songs and rhymes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers will soon be running and local arts groups have expressed interest in using the meeting areas.

Russell Brown, Community Libraries Manager, added: “Stepps Community Library is more than just a building; it’s a reading space, a creative space, a study space, a space for events and activities – and a place of learning and exploration.”

Alice Morton of Stepps and District Community Council added, “It was wonderful to celebrate the library’s reopening. It is a superb resource that will be well used by local people and bring many benefits to the community.

“I feel strongly that this vibrant, welcoming, warm space will help our community flourish.”