Tag: libraries

Children’s author Joseph Coelho visits Haddington primary pupil

Primary pupils from across Haddington enjoyed a visit from children’s author Joseph Coelho at Knox Academy as part of their Reading Schools celebrations.  

Pupils from five local primary schools gathered at Knox Academy for the special event which was organised by Scottish Book Trust, with help from school librarian Emma Robertson.

The event was part of an initiative to encourage schools in East Lothian to sign up to the Reading Schools programme. Its aim was to show children how much fun reading and creative writing can be, through the experience of an author visit.  

The successful Reading Schools programme is developed by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives with reading and writing.  It helps schools build a reading culture, where every pupil is encouraged to feed their imagination through books. Schools can work their way through three levels of accreditation – Core, Silver and Gold – and each step is a transformational process for pupils, staff, and the wider school community.   

Joseph Coelho OBE is an award-winning children’s author who was Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2022 to 2024. He won the 2024 Carnegie Medal for Writing. The London-born writer is a champion of school libraries, and he has also been praised for making poetry accessible.  

He says: ‘It was a blast sharing the world of Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter with pupils at Knox Academy, with the brilliant Scottish BookTrust. Pupils asked wonderful questions and shared their wishes to make the world a better place.’ 

Emma Robertson, School Librarian at Knox Academy, said: ‘Having authors like Joe visit schools really makes a difference to our young people as they can meet the person behind the books and get the chance to interact with them in a fun and inclusive way.

“ Now more than ever, we need beautiful stories to inspire and delight us and Joe’s talent certainly shone through to inspire the next generation of writers and artists.  

‘It takes a special person to be able to have the adults laughing along with the children and Joe kept all of us mesmerised. We really appreciated all the work that went into the event itself, and it is certainly one our pupils and staff will not forget for a long time.’ 

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: ‘We were delighted to support Joseph Coelho’s visit to Knox Academy. An author visit allows pupils to fully experience the magic of books, and encourages them to find pleasure in reading.  

‘It also supports the work of our Reading Schools programme. So far, 629 schools have been accredited as Reading Schools, and there are a further 705 schools currently working towards their very first Reading Schools accreditation. This means that over 50% of Scotland’s schools are now engaged in the programme.  

‘An accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment for pupils and teachers alike, and achieving this status is a way of demonstrating a school’s commitment to developing vibrant reading cultures and the many benefits this brings.’ 

For more information, contact Caroline Young, PR and Marketing Manager, at caroline.young@scottishbooktrust.com.

£34k investment set to power pioneering library projects across Scotland

Four innovative projects across Scotland’s libraries and information services have secured a share of £34,000 from the Scottish Library and Information Council’s (SLIC) Innovation and Development Fund, supporting new ideas that will shape the future of learning, research and access to information.

Now in its 14th year, the fund backs bold initiatives from across Scotland’s library network, helping services test new approaches, develop fresh resources and respond to the changing needs of communities and learners.

The latest round of funding will champion projects ranging from a Scots language learning course for prison libraries to an affordable journal publishing scheme through Scottish Universities Press:

  • Read tae rise: Scots language and library learning with Scotland’s prisons

The National Library of Scotland has received just over £9,500 to develop a new Scots language course and resource pack for prison libraries.

Co-created with learners, the course will draw on the library’s historic and contemporary collections while highlighting the role of libraries as powerful tools for lifelong learning and cultural connection.

  • Robert Gordon University Library: developing future library designs

Robert Gordon University Library has secured just under £5,000 for a student-led design concept project that will explore the future of its library spaces. Students from the School of Law & Social Sciences and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment will collaborate to gather user insights and produce draft design concepts to inform future library redevelopment.

  • Delivering a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press

The University of Dundee has been awarded £12,500 to pilot a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press.

The initiative will test a sustainable, high-quality alternative to traditional academic journal publishing models, offering a more affordable and accessible route for scholarly research.

  • University of Strathclyde: decolonising academic libraries in Scotland

At University of Strathclyde, the iSchool has received £7,200 to work with academic libraries across Scotland to develop clear, practical guidance on applying decolonisation principles in library services and collections.

The outputs will include accessible guidelines and infographics designed to support library staff in turning shared ambitions around inclusion and representation into everyday practice.

The Innovation and Development Fund, administered and financed by SLIC, is designed to support organisations that fall outside the remit of other annual funding programmes, such as the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

This includes further education and higher education institutions, as well as specialist libraries and information services. All projects link to SLIC’s strategic pillars of Standards, Leadership, Information and Collaboration.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information services continue to adapt and innovate, creating resilient, future-proofed environments that respond to the evolving needs of their users.

“The Innovation and Development Fund plays an important role in supporting that progress by backing bold, forward-thinking ideas.

“The projects awarded funding this year demonstrate the creativity and ambition across the sector, from empowering people through language and culture to rethinking how knowledge is created, shared and accessed.”

Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded over £425,000 to over 40 projects.

Previous initiatives have included a TED Talk style ‘health conversations’ webinar series developed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board Library, a literacy and numeracy course by Glasgow Women’s Library, and the creation of a podcast studio at the University of the Highlands and Islands Moray campus.

For more information about the Innovation and Development Fund, visit: 

The Innovation and Development Fund Overview – The Scottish Library and Information Council

Edinburgh libraries celebrate success at The British Book Awards

Libraries across Edinburgh are celebrating after being recognised at the prestigious Library of the Year Award at The British Book Awards 2026.

The collaborative work of Oxgangs Library, Saughton Library at HMP Edinburgh and the Mobile Library Service have been named Scotland Regional and Country Winner for Library of the Year.

Their Secret Santa Project saw individuals in custody receive specially selected library books, gift-wrapping them so recipients would have something meaningful to open on Christmas Day.

The partnership will now go forward for the overall Library of the Year Award, with the final winner to be announced at The British Book Awards 2026.

Alongside the regional win, other Edinburgh libraries were also recognised as finalists in the Scotland category.

Kirkliston and South Queensferry Library were recognised for their role supporting children and young people through transition between primary school and high school by working with local schools to promote literacy, encourage reading for pleasure and expand educational opportunities for children and young people in the local areas.

Meanwhile, Craigmillar Library was shortlisted for their work with young people to create a teenage book group, where the young people have not only developed a love of reading, they have also learned new skills in areas such as creative writing and research. 

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been recognised as a Regional and Country winner for Library of the Year. This achievement is testament to the dedication and creativity of the teams at Oxgangs, Saughton Library at HMP Edinburgh and our Mobile Libraries service, whose hard work has made this possible.

“They delivered a thoughtful Secret Santa initiative that provided gift-wrapped books for people in custody at what can be a particularly lonely time of year. The project not only helped boost participation with the library but brought comfort to so many.

“My congratulations also go to the teams at Craigmillar and Kirkliston and South Queensferry Libraries who were recognised as finalists.

I’m so proud that we have such a fantastic library service across the whole city.”

Scotland urged to move public libraries “beyond adequate” to guarantee fair access across Scotland

A new report is calling for Scotland to move “beyond adequate” in the way public libraries are supported, measured and funded, warning that without clearer national expectations, communities could face widening inequalities in access to essential services.

Public Libraries: Beyond Adequate, published by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of a national advisory group convened for the Scottish Government, sets out a series of recommendations to ensure equitable, sustainable and modern library services across all 32 local authorities.

The report makes 10 recommendations covering innovative service delivery, funding and costs, measurement and accountability, leadership awareness and national and local positioning.

Central to the report is the proposal to develop a Universal Library Offer — a clear national framework defining the essential services and experiences every person in Scotland should expect from their local library.

While councils already have a legal duty to provide an “adequate” library service, the report highlights that the term is not clearly defined in legislation, leading to growing differences in provision across the country.

The advisory group warns that without stronger national clarity, there is a risk of incremental erosion of services, increasing geographic inequality and missed opportunities to use libraries to support major national priorities.

The proposed Universal Library Offer would define core areas of service that every community should be able to access, including:

  • Promoting reading and literacy for all ages
  • Free access to trusted information and digital support
  • Health and wellbeing programmes and safe community spaces
  • Cultural activity and opportunities for creativity and learning

The framework would maintain local flexibility in how services are delivered while ensuring greater national consistency and transparency.

Libraries remain among Scotland’s most trusted public services, providing vital support for literacy, digital access, learning, culture and community wellbeing.

The report positions public libraries as essential partners in delivering Scotland’s wider national ambitions, including the National Performance Framework, child poverty strategy, digital inclusion and preventative public services, highlighting how libraries act as cost-effective civic infrastructure, helping tackle child poverty, improve digital inclusion, support preventative health and strengthen local communities.

It argues that investing in libraries represents a high impact policy lever because they already operate as trusted, place-based services embedded in every community.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland already has a powerful foundation for delivering public services through its library network. They are one of Scotland’s most trusted and far-reaching public services, and access to them should never depend on where you live.

“The recommendations in this report set out a clear path to move beyond the ambiguity of ‘adequate’ and towards a shared national understanding of what every person in Scotland should be able to expect from their local library.

“A Universal Library Offer will provide greater clarity, transparency and fairness so that people across Scotland can rely on consistent access to the services libraries provide, while still allowing local authorities the flexibility to respond to the needs of their communities.”

The report also calls for:

  • A national exercise to identify the true cost of delivering equitable library services across Scotland
  • Multi-year funding settlements to support sustainable planning
  • A strengthened national improvement and peer-review framework for all library services
  • Minimum national standards for digital access and infrastructure
  • Research to quantify the social return on investment delivered by Scotland’s libraries

The advisory group presented its recommendations to Mr Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture earlier this month, with the Scottish Government welcoming the proposal, signalling full support to take the package forward.

Mr Robertson said: “I welcome the hard work that SLIC and the Public Libraries Beyond Adequate Advisory Group have put in to develop these recommendations over a short period of time. It will be for the new administration to consider and decide how they are taken forward.”

These recommendations will help inform the next phase of Scotland’s public library strategy, building on the progress of Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021–25 and its 2026 Fast Forward refresh. Together, the proposals aim to ensure libraries can continue to act as vital community anchors supporting learning, inclusion, culture and wellbeing across the country.

A formal national review of progress is proposed within twelve months to ensure the recommendations translate into measurable improvements.

The full report and recommendations have been published by SLIC and the Scottish Government.

Find out more: https://scottishlibraries.org/public-libraries-beyond-adequate/

SLIC-Beyond-Adequate-ReportDownload

Libraries can help secure Scotland’s future in age of AI and social change, says leading US academic

Libraries are critical national assets that can help secure Scotland’s future, strengthen communities, and safeguard democracy in an era of artificial intelligence and social change, according to a leading international academic speaking at an event in Edinburgh this week.

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS), welcomed internationally renowned scholar and author Professor R. David Lankes to deliver a thought‑provoking keynote lecture at the National Library of Scotland on Tuesday (3 March).

The event comes as Scotland’s library sector unites behind SLIC’s bold vision to secure the long-term future of the nation’s libraries, ensuring they continue to empower people, support wellbeing and drive social and economic opportunity in every community.

Bringing together library professionals, academics, students and members of the public, the one‑hour lecture explored themes from Professor Lankes’ latest book, ‘Triptych: Death, AI and Librarianship’ and examined how libraries are evolving to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, social fragmentation and increasing political polarisation.

The Virginia and Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship at the University of Texas at Austin delivered a powerful message: libraries are essential civic infrastructure that can save lives, strengthen communities and protect democratic values.

Professor Lankes is widely recognised for his influential contributions to the field, with accolades including the American Library Association’s Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award for distinguished reference librarianship, the Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship, and the ABC‑CLIO/Greenwood Award for The Atlas of New Librarianship.

He identified how libraries in Scotland, the United States and around the world can play a vital role in addressing urgent societal challenges – from the rise in “deaths of despair”, to increasing social isolation, the spread of misinformation and growing anti‑intellectual sentiment – by fostering connection, participation and access to trusted knowledge.

Highlighting the essential contributions of libraries across all sectors, from public and academic institutions to those serving hospitals, governments and legal organisations, in ensuring communities can reach their full potential and fight a growing wave of anti-democratic trends in global politics, he said: “Libraries are one of society’s most powerful tools for building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.

“At a time of profound technological and social disruption, their role has never been more important. The choices we make now about our libraries will shape the future of our communities and our democracy.

“His visit to Scotland reinforces growing recognition of the vital role libraries play not only in education and literacy, but also in economic recovery, digital inclusion, public health and social cohesion.”

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Professor Lankes’ message could not be timelier. Libraries are fundamental to Scotland’s future.

“They are places of opportunity, innovation and inclusion that help people learn, connect and thrive. Across Scotland, libraries are transforming lives every day, supporting digital participation, tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.”

Professor Lankes’ lecture forms part of ongoing work by SLIC and partners to champion the value of libraries and to ensure they remain at the heart of Scotland’s communities in the face of technological disruption and increasing social challenges.

Alison Nolan continued: “Our vision statement is clear, we must secure sustainable support and investment to ensure Scotland’s libraries continue to play this essential role for generations to come.

“This event highlights not only what is at stake but what is possible if we invest in our libraries and the people who power them.”

Sean McNamara, Director of CILIPS, added: “We were delighted to work with our partners at SLIC and the NLS to bring the inspirational Professor Lankes to Edinburgh. We strongly believe that libraries and their staff can play such a key role alongside others in meeting some of society’s biggest challenges.

“Professor Lankes’ talk gave us so much to consider regarding how libraries can support community cohesion and democracy and how they can help us adapt to AI, and it was an honour to host him.”

To learn more and support SLIC’s vision statement, visit: 

www.scottishlibraries.org/securing-the-future-of-scotlands-libraries 

and to find out about CILIPS pre-election campaign, visit: 

https://www.cilips.org.uk/advocacy-campaigns/librarians-are-the-answer/

Open Letter: The world is reinvesting in libraries, Scotland can’t afford to stand still

2026 is both an election year and the National Year of Reading — a year when literacy, libraries and the future of our young people should be firmly at the top of the political agenda.

Across the UK and around the world, governments are taking decisive action to tackle declining literacy and reinvest in school libraries. Yet Scotland, once regarded as a leader in library provision, now risks falling behind.

When Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools launched in 2018, Scotland was setting the pace. We were seen as progressive — a nation that recognised libraries as essential to education, wellbeing and community life. Today, however, the landscape is shifting, and not in our favour.

Recent months have brought renewed focus on education, reading for pleasure and school libraries, but largely south of the border. England has committed to delivering a library in every primary school by 2029, backed by more than £10 million in dormant assets, alongside £5 million to provide every secondary school with new library books.

Wales has pledged dedicated funding for its National Year of Reading. Meanwhile in Scotland, funding gaps, inconsistent provision and ageing facilities are undermining the vital role libraries play in literacy, learning and community wellbeing.

Across our 32 local authorities, school library provision is fragmented. Only five authorities — just 16% — offer full professional librarian coverage in secondary schools, while at least five have none at all. More than a third rely on assistants, teaching staff or volunteers, despite clear evidence that professionally trained librarians are essential for literacy, information skills and wellbeing.

Recent developments only show the situation worsening. Qualified librarians are being replaced, dedicated library spaces reduced, and purpose-built libraries moved into smaller rooms with sharply curtailed stock and access. Some areas are exploring new models to stretch limited resources but these often involve cutting trained roles and introducing inconsistent provision with little central oversight. These are not minor operational changes, they signal a systemic unravelling of Scotland’s school library infrastructure.

The evidence is clear. Research by the University of Edinburgh and Scottish Book Trust shows school librarians foster reading enjoyment, create inclusive spaces, support minority pupils and strengthen personal development. A CILIPS-funded study found librarians are uniquely placed to tackle misinformation, yet lack of time, training and recognition prevents them from doing so. In an age of disinformation, this should be a wake-up call.

At the same time, National Literacy Trust data shows reading enjoyment among children and young people has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Only one in three enjoy reading, fewer than one in five read daily and one in ten children in Scotland does not own a single book. Boys, pupils from lower-income families and those in disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected.

Scotland’s latest Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels report shows record-high literacy attainment and narrowing gaps, yet school libraries are absent from the narrative. This omission is striking. The challenges highlighted — uneven engagement, slower progress for some groups and persistent inequality — are precisely where school libraries make the greatest difference.

Reading for pleasure remains the strongest predictor of a child’s future success, more powerful than parental income. Being read to at age five is a protective factor against poverty at age 30. Libraries are not cultural luxuries, they are engines of social mobility.

Other nations understand this. Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands are investing heavily in school libraries and staffing. Scotland, meanwhile, is cutting posts, shrinking spaces and relying on goodwill to sustain essential services.

SLIC’s vision statement, Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries, sets out what is needed: sustainable funding, modern facilities, protected professional roles and universal standards. Without decisive action to make libraries financed, fairer and future-proofed, Scotland risks entrenching a postcode lottery of literacy and opportunity.

As we approach the 2026 Holyrood election, MSPs face a clear choice. With strong evidence, a practical vision and broad public support, you can secure libraries as essential infrastructure at the heart of Scotland’s learning, wellbeing and future prosperity. Or you can allow further erosion that deepens inequalities and limits life chances for the next generation.

Scotland once led the way. We can do so again — but only if we act now, with ambition that matches the opportunity our communities deserve.

Yours sincerely,

ALISON NOLAN

Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC)

140825-SLIC-Vision-PRINT-FILEDownload

Home Library Service is looking for volunteers

BRINGING THE LIBRARY TO PEOPLE’S DOORSTEPS!

We are currently looking for volunteers at Leith Library and across the city to support our Library Link groups and Home deliveries for elderly, housebound and disabled service users.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/libraries-elderly…

For more information, please email:

edinburghhomelibrary@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

or visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Libraries: Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Here’s a note of our Libraries’ opening hours over Christmas and New Year –

Wednesday 24 December – libraries closing at 5pm

Thursday 25 December – closed

Friday 26 December – closed

Saturday 27 December – normal opening hours

Monday 29 December – normal opening hours

Tuesday 30 December – normal opening hours

Wednesday 31 December– libraries closing at 5pm

Thursday 1 January – closed

Friday 2 January – closed

Saturday 3 January – normal opening hours

And don’t forget, Your Library is always open online for eBook’s, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers!

https://yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk/web/arena

Still time to enter Green Pencil Award

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraries/green-pencil-award

There is still time to enter this year’s Green Pencil Award.

The theme is Scotland’s weather! Whether it’s a story about a magical mist rolling through the Highlands, a poem capturing the drama of a stormy seaside, or a sunny adventure (rare as that may be!), we want to hear how Scotland’s ever-changing skies inspire you.

Come along and browse Drumbrae Library’s display for inspiration!

Open to Primary 4 to S3 students

Entries can be poetry, prose or story, all we ask is that the writing is the author’s own work and is no longer than one side of A4 paper.

The competition started on 1 October and the closing date is 28 November 2025.

Ask for an entry form at the library desk or follow the link below:

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraries/green-pencil-award

£200,000 funding boost for Libraries to power innovative community projects

Twelve public libraries across Scotland are set to transform their services thanks to a £200,000 injection from the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF). The funding will support a range of pioneering projects, from gaming and e-sports hubs to AI workshops and sustainability initiatives, designed to create lasting impact for their local communities.

Administered by the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the annual PLIF helps libraries deliver cutting-edge services that inspire engagement, promote digital upskilling and foster inclusivity across the country.

This year’s successful projects showcase the evolving role of libraries as hubs for trusted information, civic participation and innovative learning and upskilling experiences.

Priority was given to initiatives that address pressing societal challenges including combating mis/dis information, promoting democratic participation, tackling child poverty through educational support, enhancing family wellbeing, and fostering economic growth through community co-production.

Highlights include a gaming and e-sports hub for young people in Elgin, a digital inclusion initiative in North Ayrshire tackling scams and providing information on pension credit, energy advice and staying safe online, community-led initiatives in Inverclyde promoting democratic engagement, and workshops on AI, media and digital wellbeing in South Lanarkshire.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Government deeply values the role libraries play in our society, local communities, and neighbourhoods. Across the country, libraries continue to deliver a wide range of support and resources, standing proudly at the heart of our communities as trusted and vibrant hubs.

“Through our support, twelve projects have been successful in receiving funding from SLIC’s Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), for 2025-26. The fund will yet again support pioneering and innovative projects across library services. I am keen that we make the best use possible of all avenues and platforms to ensure that libraries can continue delivering the multitude of services they offer.”

The projects awarded 2025/26 PLIF funding are:

  • ‘ReadMore 2026’, an Aberdeen City Library scheme to deliver library services to schools
  • ‘How Fiction Becomes Fact’, helping communities in Aberdeenshire tackle misinformation and the growing influence of AI-generated content
  • ‘Empowering Teens through the World of Graphic Novels’, an initiative aimed at increasing the engagement of 13–18-year-olds with library services in Campbeltown
  • ‘Greenwave’, supporting citizen science projects in Dundee
  • ‘East Lothian Reads’, taking on child poverty and supporting attainment in East Lothian
  • ‘Cultivating Climate Champions’, a Highland project to expand its green libraries programme to include Ullapool, Gairloch, Fort William, Thurso and Fortrose
  • ‘Libraries Give Us Power’, promoting active citizenship in the Inverclyde area
  • ‘Game Explorers’, creating a gaming and e-sports hub in Elgin Library
  • ‘Savvy about Scams’, a North Ayrshire initiative tackling scams and providing information on pension credit, energy advice and staying safe online
  • ‘Learning and Discover Zone Development’, creating a dedicated zone for children aged 0-12 in Peebles Library
  • ‘DigiAye’, providing workshops on topics such as AI and digital wellbeing across South Lanarkshire
  • ‘Secret History Squad’, encouraging children’s library membership in Stirling

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, added: “Public libraries play a vital and multifaceted role as one of the last truly open-access community spaces.

“They offer access to essential services and resources and serve as vibrant spaces for creativity and self-expression. Continued investment is crucial to sustaining and evolving these services to meet the community needs, and the PLIF remains a key mechanism for strengthening our network.

“Our strategy for Scotland’s public libraries is built on three pillars: people, place and partnership, and this year’s twelve winning projects exemplify that vision, reimagining libraries not just as centres of literacy, but as catalysts for civic engagement, skill development and the sources of trusted information for people of all ages.”

The PLIF is part of a £450,000 annual programme administered by SLIC on behalf of the Scottish Government, supporting creative, sustainable, and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.

For more information, visit: scottishlibraries.org/the-public-library-improvement-fund-overview/