Tag: libraries

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/

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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)

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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/

Accounts Commission: Rising charges and reduced spending impacting council culture and leisure services

Councils are spending less on culture and leisure services, reviewing the services they offer and increasing or introducing charges. Yet gaps in the data collected at a local and national level means we don’t have a full understanding of the impact of these decisions on health, wellbeing and prevention.

Scotland’s councils play a vital role in supporting communities by delivering a wide range of cultural and leisure services. These services aim to keep communities healthy and connected, improving residents’ quality of life. The level of services offered, and how they are provided, is a decision for individual councils.

Whilst councils are spending more on services overall, spending on culture and leisure services reduced by three per cent in real terms in the five years from 2018/19. At the same time income from charges increased by 27 per cent, whilst overall satisfaction and attendance rates for some services remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Removing these important services risks increasing inequalities and exclusion, with rural and more deprived communities having a greater reliance on these facilities. Failure to adequately consult with communities and assess the equalities impacts of service changes has led to some councils reversing decisions and communities taking legal action.

Jo Armstrong, Chair of the Accounts Commission, said: “Culture and leisure services are vital to our health and wellbeing, supporting national and local priorities and supporting people to be better connected. Gaps in national data need to be addressed to better understand how these reductions in spending on culture and leisure are impacting communities.

“As councils manage continued pressures due to increasing demands and costs, culture and leisure services have experienced a disproportionate share of council savings measures.

“Communities must be fully consulted on decisions to close, centralise facilities or changes to charging. Failing to do this risks deepening inequalities and legal action by communities.”

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East Lothian library services celebrated in national awards shortlist

East Lothian Libraries is in the spotlight as the shortlist is announced for the annual Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards.

Celebrating the teams and projects transforming communities across the country, from innovative literacy programmes to inclusive community hubs, this year’s nominees showcase how libraries are evolving to meet local needs, spark creativity and improve wellbeing.

copyright photo by Paul Chappells 07774730898

Judged by an independent panel, led by SLIC Chair Alan Clarke, alongside guest judges Garrett Baylor Stell, education journalist, and Scottish author and presenter Helen Cross, renowned for her work promoting libraries and literacy across Scotland, the SLIC Awards 2025 recognise library teams and projects that go beyond traditional services, driving social impact, learning and inclusion across Scotland.

Showcasing their creativity, innovation and community impact, eight services have been shortlisted across two categories – Team of the Year and Project Excellence – including East Lothian Libraries, shortlisted for Team of the Year 2025 due to their community centred services, showcasing how the library service has supported both public and school libraries while addressing local challenges.

Despite budget pressures and reduced staffing, the team maintained high quality provision across 12 libraries and seven secondary schools, integrating school and public library services, delivering tailored community programmes and fostering strong partnerships with health, education and third sector organisations.

Initiatives ranged from dementia-friendly groups and digital inclusion sessions to innovative activities like gardening clubs, mending workshops and family learning cafés.

The team also advanced literacy strategies through Reading Schools accreditation and bespoke school library policies, while ensuring inclusive, flexible services for vulnerable groups.

With increased visits, broad community engagement and strong evidence of impact, East Lothian Libraries has positioned themselves as trusted hubs for learning, wellbeing and resilience.

Guest judge Helen Cross commented: “This is a team that has shown what can be achieved through new initiatives and thinking outside the box, while also making a positive impact on those they reach.”

The others shortlisted for ‘Team of the Year 2025’ are –

  • East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust – Transforming community engagement in Milngavie and Lennoxtown: Revitalised local libraries through events, crafts and mindfulness sessions, turning quiet spaces into bustling community hubs.
  • University of the West of Scotland Library Service – Service review implementation: Modernised services to focus on learning, research and student engagement, creating specialist teams and stronger institutional impact.
  • Aberdeenshire Libraries – HMP Grampian Prison Library Team: Developed a ‘Foreign Language Prison Phrase Book’, improving communication, inclusion and safety in the prison environment.

The four projects shortlisted for the ‘Project Excellence 2025’ award are –

  • Live Borders Libraries – Mobile libraries summer storytelling: Brought Bookbug and storytelling sessions to over 1,000 children and families across the Borders during summer holidays.
  • East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure – Sensory magic: Introduced sensory-friendly spaces and features for neurodivergent visitors, providing a model for inclusive library services.
  • Glasgow Women’s Library – Opening the door: Celebrated adult literacy learners through exhibitions, film and creative workshops, boosting confidence and community engagement.
  • South Ayrshire Libraries – Girvan Library Lend + Mend Hub: Created a hub for borrowing tools, mending and upcycling, tackling social isolation and promoting sustainability in the community.
photo by Paul Chappells

SLIC chair, Alan Clarke (above), who is leading the judging panel, said: “The SLIC Awards celebrate the remarkable work of library teams and projects across Scotland, recognising the difference they make in enriching learning, wellbeing and community connection.

“This year’s shortlist highlights services that continue to evolve, delivering inclusive, imaginative and highly impactful initiatives that respond directly to the needs of the people they serve. It’s inspiring to see excellence in action through outstanding service, collaborative teamwork and innovative project delivery that truly makes a lasting difference.

“Congratulations to the eight services shortlisted for the 2025 SLIC Awards. We look forward to inviting the nominees to celebrate their achievements with us when we announce the award winners at our Showcase and AGM next month.”

These shortlists will be whittled down to just one winner and one highly commended for each category at the SLIC AGM and Showcase on 31 October where services will be recognised for their outstanding commitment and strategic approach to ensuring library services continue to add value to the community.

The SLIC Awards are open to all SLIC member libraries, which includes public library services, many further education and higher education libraries, and specialist libraries throughout Scotland, with winners receiving a trophy and cash prize for demonstrating exceptional innovation and service design for activity undertaken between June 2024 and June 2025.