Events are being held in East Dunbartonshire libraries to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day – including tea, talks and trips down memory lane.
VE Day on 8 May 1945 marked the official end of World War II in Europe – a pivotal date locally, nationally and internationally.
East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, which operates local libraries, has organised a series of events to mark the 80th anniversary:
Bishopbriggs:
- Bishopbriggs Library: A Victory Tea in the Library
VE Day – Thursday 8 May 2025, 2-4pm (no need to book)
Bishopbriggs Library, 170 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 2LX
Drop by and make VE Day bunting, enjoy a cuppa, cake and biscuits, check out the themed display and handle wartime objects.
Kirkintilloch:
- Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day – William Patrick Library
Saturday 3 May to Thursday 8 May (no need to book)
William Patrick Library, 2-5 West High Street, Kirkintilloch, G66 1AD
Pop into the library and create bunting for the Victory Tea. You can also make spitfire planes and test your knowledge with a child-friendly quiz.
- William Patrick Library Talks: Linda McIntosh
Wednesday 7 May, 6-7pm – tickets are free, but must be booked.
William Patrick Library, 2-5 West High Street, Kirkintilloch, G66 1AD
Linda McIntosh will deliver a fascinating talk which intertwines tragedy, wartime realities, murder and the enduring essence of compassion – exploring a German plane crash near Lennoxtown on 7 May 1941 and a local family’s inspirational journey.
- William Patrick Library: A Victory Tea in the Library
VE Day – Thursday 8 May, 2-4pm (no need to book)
William Patrick Library, 2-5 West High Street, Kirkintilloch, G66 1AD
A chance to make bunting, listen to nostalgic music played by George Burt and his Bookworms of Boogie, and enjoy a cuppa, cake and biscuits. You can also check out a display created as part of the VE Day commemorations which explores life in East Dunbartonshire during the Second World War – using photographs, objects, documents and personal stories to highlight the impact on local communities – from air raids and rationing to resilience. Discover how the people of East Dunbartonshire faced the challenges of wartime, both at home and abroad.
Lennoxtown:
- Lennoxtown Library: A Victory Tea in the Library
VE Day – Thursday 8 May, 2-4pm (no need to book)
Lennoxtown Library, 46 Main Street, Lennoxtown, G66 7JJ
Drop by and make bunting while enjoying a cuppa, cake and biscuits. You can also search the British Newspaper Archive.
- Lennoxtown Library Talks: Linda McIntosh
Monday 12 May, 6-7pm – tickets are free, but must be booked
Lennoxtown Library, 46 Main Street, Lennoxtown, G66 7JJ
Linda McIntosh will deliver a fascinating talk which intertwines tragedy, wartime realities, murder and the enduring essence of compassion – exploring a German plane crash near Lennoxtown on 7 May 1941 and a local family’s inspirational journey.
Milngavie:
- Milngavie Library: A Victory Tea in the Library
VE Day – Thursday 8 May, 2-4pm (no need to book)
Milngavie Library, Allander Road, Milngavie, G62 8PN
Make bunting, enjoy a cuppa and cake, and browse ‘A Stitch in Time' display of wartime sewing and patterns. The British Newspaper Archive will also be available to search.
- Milngavie Heritage Group – The Home Front Remembered
VE Day – Thursday 8 May, 2-4pm (no need to book)
Milngavie Library, Allander Road, Milngavie, G62 8PN
People who remember the Clydebank Blitz will share their experiences and you can also browse the organisation’s latest exhibition, 'Keep Calm and Carry On – The Home Front in Bearsden and Milngavie during World War II'. The exhibition is on until 7 June 2025.
For more information, visit the VE day webpage
All images courtesy of EDLC’s Archives & Local Studies
