Families in East Renfrewshire are reaping the benefits of a brand-new reading couch at Mearns Library, thanks to a donation by a locally-owned opticians.

The teams at Specsavers stores in Newlands and Newton Mearns gifted the library a new reading sofa, after its previous couch fell into disrepair.

Scott Simpson, head of library and information services at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: "We are very grateful indeed to Specsavers for their generous donation.

Barrhead News:

"Not only has our new couch brightened up the library and made it feel more modern, but we hope it will encourage more young people and their families to come in and visit us regularly.

"The benefits of reading are well documented and getting children into the habit of picking up a book from an early age is hugely important to us.

"Whether it's taking part in Bookbug sessions, listening in at story times or helping your little ones choose their next great read, we’re delighted to provide a great reading space where families can enjoy the experience together."

Barrhead News:

Ruth Lalor, director of Specsavers in Newlands and Newton Mearns, added: "Mearns Library has a special place in not only the hearts of many of our customers, but in our optometry and audiology teams' here too.

"Therefore, there was no question that we wanted to lend our support to help make the library a more comfortable and accessible place for anyone who wishes to visit it.

"Specsavers is all about supporting projects and communities in which they have stores – whether it’s welcoming customers in store or visiting those unable to come to us due to disability or illness via our Home Visits service, we're always here to offer a helping hand."

Specsavers in Newlands and Newton Mearns are open seven days a week. To book an eye or hearing appointment, call 0141 6366070 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/newlands.