WHEN actor Gary Lewis landed a role in the smash hit television series Outlander the first thing he did was go to the library.

 

The star of Gangs of New York and Billy Elliot understood the time-travelling show was massive in America but didn't know that much about it, so Langside Library in the South Side of Glasgow was his first port of call to read the best-selling Diana Gabaldon books.

"I've done a lot of research in here for work," he says, looking around the library on Sinclair Drive that has just celebrated its 100th anniversary.

" I also did research for the action drama Supervolcano in the library too, where I played a seismologist. I didn't know a thing about volcanoes so I came in here and found out more.

Glasgow's Libraries hold a special place in the heart of the actor, who worked in Easterhouse, Shettleston and King's Park libraries in the 1970s before he turned to acting.

Now he lives in the South Side and Langside Library is his local, used regularly by himself and his family.

"Libraries are the life blood of the community. They provide an opportunity for people to self-educate, to get in touch with art and to further themselves," says Gary, whose new film Catch Me Daddy, starring Connor McCarron of Neds and Kate Dickie of Red Road, premieres at Glasgow Film Festival on February 19.

"They are a tremendous community facility. I'm passionate about libraries, I've always visited libraries, even when I'm travelling and working abroad on films, I go to them.

"I remember in the library in Winnipeg I encountered a great writer and artist called Bill Reid and in Vancouver Central Library I came across the latest James Kelman book when I was working on Supervolcano.

"Even in London I always try to go to Camden library.

"I am an ardent supporter of libraries and as a father I think a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children."

When it opened in February 1915, Langside Library was dubbed the "Glasgow Experiment" as it was the first public library in the city to allow people to come in and look at the books without first requesting them from a librarian.

A huge success, more than 43,000 people went through its doors in the first month of opening.

At that time Langside was one of 20 corporation libraries in Glasgow, now there are 32 community libraries across the city, including the Mitchell, with more than 5.5m visitors each year.

Mount Florida Primary School pupils Ruby Garrick and Kacey Farrell were browsing books in the children's section while the library's birthday celebrations were going on.

"No matter what you're looking for the library always has it," says 11-year-old Ruby. "I came here to work on a Roman topic we were studying in P5 and I have a World War One book out just now."

Kacey adds:" I like coming here to read Jacqueline Wilson and Tracy Beaker books."

At the birthday party, Lord Provost Sadie Docherty spoke about the importance of libraries in the community and cut a specially commissioned cake.

"Langside Library proudly opened its doors a century ago, welcoming almost 50,000 eager visitors in its first month," she adds.

"Today it continues to provide a much-loved service to the community. I am thrilled to be celebrating the special anniversary of this important building in the heart of the South Side."

The festivities continue this weekend with a free family day from noon to 4pm on Saturday. Children can come along and learn about the library's history in a dedicated display detailing the story of the building, with photographs from the opening in 1915.

The range of services has changed considerably in the past 100 years, with internet access and a wide array of events and activities, from storytime sessions for children to adult book groups and coffee mornings.

Langside Library is the busiest community library in the South of Glasgow, with more than 150,000 visitors last year. The only library to welcome more people is Hillhead in the West End.

"Glasgow is proud to provide the largest public network library service in Scotland," says Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life.

"Our citizens are voting with their feet and appreciate the many services they offer. I would urge anyone in the community to endorse their love of reading and support their local libraries."

Langside Library isn't just a showcase for the city's collection of books but also its art. It houses a painting of Mary Queen of Scots, which commemorates the Battle of Langside in 1568 by Professor Maurice Greiffenhagen ARA and fellow students at Glasgow School of Art.

Visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries