Walking with History: The Autobiography of Jimmy Reid
- Tickets
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Free - Drop-in - no ticket requiredThis event is run by an external organisation but takes place in a Glasgow Life venue. Glasgow Life does not take any responsibility for this event including the communication of any cancellations or rearrangements, or the ticket sales for this event.
- Dates and times
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Saturday 21st Nov 2026
2:00pm
- Age
- 16+ years
- Venue
Compiled from fourteen years of in-depth conversations with journalist and close collaborator Brian McGeachan, the book captures Reid's life as trade union leader, orator, broadcaster and political activist.
Born and raised in Govan, Reid left school at age 15. He credited much of his education and voracious reading habits to his formative years spent studying at Elder Park Library.
The author, Brian McGeachan, is of course a gifted journalist and writer in his own account, but he has assiduously and tenderly narrated Jimmy’s life, thoughts and views.
Join us at Elder Park library at this free event to hear Brian McGeachan discuss the book.
Accessibility guides
Read the accessibility guide for Elder Park Library on AccessAble
Accessible toilets
The accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance. The accessible toilet is located in the foyer.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome. We can provide a bowl of water for an assistance dog.
Hearing loop
There is a portable loop hearing assistance system.
Wheelchair access
Baby changing
Baby feeding
Computers
PC's and printing services are available for public use.
Parking
This library does not have its own car parking access. The space at the front of the building is for deliveries and accessibility only. There is on-street car parking on Langlands Road.
Photography and video recording
On occasion, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.
Study spaces
Free wifi
Location Map
THIN AIR
Michelle Paver
This is a hugely enjoyable ghost story, atmospheric and chilling. It is a story about an attempt in 1935 by five Englishmen to climb Kangchenjunga, a Himalyan mountain more deadly than Everest. A rucksack belonging to a dead mountaineer appears to follow them. Is it an optical illusion? Is someone menacing the group? The ice ‘creaking and groaning’ are vividly described. This is a ghost story to chill and thrill, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dark Matter by the same author is also excellent.
Karyl, Elder Park Library.
The library was gifted to Govan by Mrs Isabella Elder and opened by Andrew Carnegie in 1903.
Mrs Elder donated £10,000 to meet the cost of building.
Elder Park Library was gifted to Govan by Mrs Isabella Elder, who donated £10,000 to meet the cost of the building in the early 1900s.
The library has served the people and visitors of the city since the building was opened in 1903.
In partnership with Elderpark Housing Association, Elder Park Library and Community Hub has undergone significant work to improve the building so that it best meets the needs of the local community.
The upgrades include a full interior and exterior refurbishment which provides improved library and community spaces, a new community kitchen and more bookable areas for local people to use. These areas are supported by additional library toilets and improved baby changing facilities. The work will also ensure the A-listed building – protected by Historic Environment Scotland because of its architectural and historic interest – is more accessible and sustainable.
The revamped Elder Park Library and Community Hub has improved the building’s energy performance. The new features include more natural ventilation, energy-efficient boilers, new electrical wiring and lighting and a weather station.
All of the new additions connect to a building management system which monitors temperature and ventilation. The building also has new fire safety and security systems. These installations will not only greatly reduce its carbon footprint, but also improve comfort and safety for visitors.