Introduction

The Thomas Graham Community Library – a striking modern building with advanced net zero carbon energy system – is the product of a partnership between Strathblane Community Development Trust (SCDT) and Stirling Council. It is the first community-council partnership to deliver library services in Scotland: a blend of charitable and donor finance, community enterprise and local authority expertise. This unique development is believed to be the UK’s first new public library building to be funded by voluntary donation in recent times. It will shoulder no debt. The Thomas Graham Library has been supported by Local Energy Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.