A new fund worth more than £1 million that will help libraries re-open is being launched by the Scottish Government.
The Public Libraries COVID Recovery Fund will allow libraries to re-connect with their communities as part of Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic.
The fund, which will be distributed through the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), will support libraries in re-opening or extending their opening hours, as well as fund targeted plans for issues such as digital exclusion or mental health and wellbeing.
While priority will be given to applications which support deprived areas and communities, all library services across Scotland are invited to apply for the fund, which is a commitment made in the new Programme for Government.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “We hope that through this new fund the power of libraries to inform, educate, entertain and inspire can be unlocked again as part of the recovery from the COVID pandemic.
“We are aware that while many have returned, Scotland’s library services are currently operating below their pre-pandemic levels.
“The reasons for these closures are varied, complex and sometimes challenging – however we want to see as many libraries re-open as possible, and this fund will help the public library sector bounce back from a challenging time.”
Scottish Library and Information Council chair Ian Ruthven said: “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the vital role public libraries play in communities across Scotland.
“Libraries are at the centre of the collective endeavour to improve literacy, close the attainment gap, promote health, champion wellbeing, pioneer sustainability, reduce inequality, and close the digital divide.
“SLIC is pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to administer the Public Library Covid Relief Fund which will support the public library sector to extend access to these vital services, and prioritise wellbeing as communities continue to rebuild and recover.”
James Pringle Shopping Village, 70- 74 Bangor Road, EH6 5JU from Friday 16 July to Sunday 15 August,10am to 5pm
Tynecastle Stadium rear car park (accessed of Wheatfield Place) from Monday 26 July to Sunday 8 August, 10.00am to 5.30pm
Craigmillar Medical Centre (car park) 106 Niddrie Mains Road, EH16 4DT from Monday 2 August to Sunday 15 August, 9.30am to 5.30pm (5pm on Sunday)
South East Locality Office, 40 Captain’s Road, EH17 8QF from Monday 2 August to Sunday 8 August, 9.30am to 5pm
Craigroyston Community High School, 64 Pennywell Road, EH4 4NL, Monday 2 August to Sunday 8 August, 9.30am to 5pm.
Home testing kits are not available for collection from mobile testing units.
Community testing centre locations and opening times
Community testing centres are walk-in centres – you do not need to make an appointment. Each centre is open for a limited time to offer rapid coronavirus testing but may open again in the same location, depending on community infection rates.
Centres are often in libraries in areas where case numbers are or have been high. Libraries make suitable testing centres as they are in the heart of our communities and easy for most people to get to on foot, by bike or by bus.
Piershill Library
Open from 9am to 6pm from Monday 26 July to Saturday 7 August (closed Sunday 1 August). You can also pick up home testing kits here.
Wester Hailes Library
Open from 9am to 6pm from Monday 2 August to Saturday 7 August. You can also pick up home testing kits here.
Gilmerton Library
Open from 9am to 6pm from Monday 2 August to Saturday 14 August (closed Sunday 8 August) . You can also pick up home testing kits here.
Fountainbridge Library
Open from 9am to 6pm from Monday 9 August to Saturday 22 August (closed Sunday 15 August). You can also pick up home testing kits here.
McDonald Road Library
Open from 9am to 6pm from Monday 9 August to Saturday 22 August (closed Sunday 15 August). You can also pick up home testing kits here.
Mobile testing units for people without Covid symptoms are running at both Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian Football Clubs as cases continue to rise in the Capital.
The community testing centres are aimed at breaking the chain of transmission in areas where case numbers remain stubbornly high by tracing cases which haven’t produced any symptoms but could still be infectious.
Council Leaders today praised both football clubs for their role in helping stop the spread of the virus in their communities.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Just yesterday the First Minister advised that the aim is to move all parts of Scotland into Level Zero by 19 July, which is very positive news.
“We want to do everything we can to get case numbers down in Edinburgh as quickly as possible so that we can achieve that goal and enjoy fewer restrictions on our daily lives, so it’s crucial we find out where cases are – and isolate them.
“I’m delighted that both Hibs and Hearts are working closely with us and the Scottish Ambulance Service on community testing and I’d like to thank both clubs for their support and dedication to their communities’ wellbeing.”
Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As things continue to open up, it’s vital we all test ourselves regularly to check we’re not carrying the virus and unwittingly putting our loved ones and community at risk.
“It’s important to remember you can still get infected even if you’re double-vaccinated, and about 1 in 3 cases won’t show any symptoms. Well done and thank you to both our much-loved clubs for teaming up with us to show Covid the red card in Edinburgh.
The drive through testing centre at the rear of the East Stand at Easter Road opened on Tuesday 22 June.
Greg McEwan, Head of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Hibernian Football Club, said: “Hibernian are pleased to be able to partner up with the City of Edinburgh Council in their efforts to curb the virus with a pop-up testing site at the Stadium.
“Easter Road Stadium is a prominent venue within the community and indeed Edinburgh so it’s a pleasure to offer our facilities.”
Meanwhile, a mobile testing unit has been operating beside the Wheatfield Stand at Tynecastle since last week.
Ann Park, Director for Communities and Partnershipes at Heart of Midlothian Football Club, said:“Heart of Midlothian encourage everyone to take up the offer of regular community testing and are delighted to help the continued fight against COVID-19 by hosting the mobile testing centre at Tynecastle.
“If we all get tested regularly we are able to then take the necessary action to stop the spread of the virus. If you live in the local area please drop in and do your bit to help stop the spread.”
Mobile testing units offering free PCR tests are currently available at:
Walk up mobile testing unit, Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Wheatfield Stand accessed via Wheatfield Street/Place, from Thursday 17 to Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm
Drive though mobile testing unit at Hibernian Football Club, in the car park behind the East Stand accessed off Albion Place/Hawkhill Place from Tuesday 22 June to Monday 28 June, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Walk up mobile testing unit, North West Locality office, 8 West Pilton Gardens until Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Free Covid tests are also available without appointments at the following libraries:
McDonald Road Library from Monday 14 June to Saturday 3 July (closed Sunday 27 June) 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Gilmerton Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Wester Hailes Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
Council Leaders have called on Edinburgh citizens to stick together and continue the effort to halt the spread of Covid cases in the Capital.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that it was highly likely restrictions would not be eased down to Level Zero from 28 June when the latest roadmap plans are confirmed next week, with cases of the Delta variant continuing to rise rapidly across the country. The expected postponement of this relaxation would, she said, allow time for vaccinations to keep ahead of the virus so that more and more people in Scotland have the highest possible protection against Covid19.
Council Leader Adam McVey said:“We all desperately want life to get back to normality again and it’s always frustrating when easing restrictions needs to be slowed down or paused. Cases are rising fast, though, so it’s vital we stick together on this, because collective action is how we’ll reap the rewards for all of us.
“We really need to double down our efforts now to keep the virus in check. That means getting tested or testing yourself regularly and coming for your vaccination when you’re called for it, especially the crucial second dose.
“It’s also about continuing to follow the all-important FACTS guidance that will limit the chances of person-to-person transmission, especially if you’re meeting up with more people now than in recent weeks and months. And, in the unfortunate event you do test positive, you have to self-isolate at home – remember, there’s financial support and help available if you need it.
“I want to reiterate my sincere thanks to everyone in the city who’s worked so hard to help us jointly tackle this horrendous pandemic. Your commitment, sacrifices and perseverance have been inspiring in what’s been a very, very difficult 15 months. We need to keep digging deep now to help vaccinations win the race against the virus.”
Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said:“We’re making it as easy as possible to get yourself tested, even if you don’t have symptoms. As many as one in three Covid cases never result in symptoms, so any of us could be carrying it at any time, and you’ll only know if you take a test.
“Pop into one of our community test centres – no appointment’s needed – or order some home testing kits online so you can test yourself regularly as recommended.
“You can also collect the free, rapid lateral flow testing kits at our McDonald Road Library and Blackhall Library test centres this week and keep an eye on our dedicated community testing web page to find out where the centres are each week as we work to locate them in areas where cases are particularly high or rising.
“If we can pick up and isolate more cases, more quickly, then we’ll be able to prevent the virus from spreading further in our communities. Breaking the chain of transmission not only keeps more people safe from the risk of illness but will help us get things under control so we can ease restrictions even further.”
A mobile testing centre, run jointly with the Scottish Ambulance Service, will be open at Heart of Midlothian Football Club from Thursday 17 to Wed 23 June, close to the Wheatfield Stand on the corner of Wheatfield Place and Wheatfield Street.
The centre will offer PCR tests for people without symptoms and will be open for walk-in appointments from 10am to 6pm daily.
Ann Park, Hearts’ Director for Communities and Partnerships said:“Heart of Midlothian is delighted to host the walk-up COVID 19 testing facility at our Wheatfield Street entrance at Tynecastle Park from Thursday 17 June.
“The Club is pleased to support this vital community service, which will help in efforts to reach Level Zero more quickly.”
Community test centres are open for people with no COVID-19 symptoms at:
Blackhall Library from Monday 7 to Sunday 20 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
McDonald Road Library from Monday 14 June to Saturday 26 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Mobile Testing Unit, North West Locality office, 8 West Pilton Gardens until Sunday 20 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Mobile Testing Unit, Scottish Water, 55 Buckstone Terrace, from Monday 14 June until Friday 18 June 10am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Mobile Testing Unit, Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Wheatfield Stand, from Thursday 17 June to Wednesday 23 June 10am-6pm
Gilmerton Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 26 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
Wester Hailes Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 26 June 9am-6pm [test pick-up available]
The majority of Edinburgh’s libraries will be open this month as part of a phased plan for reopening essential services in the city.
In total 11 venues will offer a variety of services as they open up from next Monday (7th June).
A number of libraries – Central (including the Children’s Library), Drumbrae, Kirkliston, McDonald Road, Wester Hailes, Stockbridge and Gilmerton – are all currently open. Craigmillar and Fountainbridge are being used as short-term community asymptomatic testing centres but will thereafter return to use as libraries.
The timetable for the phased reopening of further libraries is:
Monday 7 June
Currie
Piershill
South Queensferry
Balgreen
Colinton
Monday 14 June
Morningside
Moredun
a mobile library at Ratho (contact/collect only)
Balerno will be open for contact/collect and bus pass applications support.
Thursday 17 June
Blackhall
Thursday24 June
Portobello
It is hoped that the city’s remaining libraries will reopen again as soon as possible after these dates.
A number of libraries (Leith, Newington, Oxgangs and the library in Gate 55 at Wester Hailes) are temporarily being used as community covid-19 testing centres until at least late Autumn.Other libraries may be needed as short-term asymptomatic testing centres over the coming weeks and months.
To browse and borrow books, use a public computer, apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) or collect hearing aid batteries visits will need to be booked online or by phoning the library direct.
There’s no need to reserve a slot if you’re return your books or picking up Hey Girls sanitary products. Social distancing measures are in place including face coverings being mandatory.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s great to see more libraries opening their doors across the city as they are invaluable resources for local communities. Our phased plan means we have been able to reopen them in a measured and cautious way to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Our plans will see a further 11 venues open for a variety of services. Although a number of other libraries are currently covid-19 testing centres I want to assure everyone that they will revert to fully functioning libraries.
“I want to thank all the hard work and efforts from our library and cleaning teams who continue to work tirelessly to get our libraries open and ensure they are safe to use.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “I’m delighted that we’re going to see more libraries open next week as we welcome our people back into their local spaces. They are much-loved hubs which bring our communities together and are essential for supporting the wellbeing of our citizens.
“We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience over recent months as we put in place our phased plans and thanks must go to the fantastic work of all the Council staff who have made this possible.
“The measured approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”
A number of key Council services, including libraries, community centres and galleries, will shortly reopen following the move to Level 3 in Scotland earlier this week.
Plans have been developed to prioritise the reopening of these venues in line with the Scottish Government’s current guidance and route map out of lockdown.
Services resuming include:
Three libraries reopening on Monday (3 May) with a further six in the coming weeks (full details below)
The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with four free summer exhibitions scheduled
Outdoor extra-curricular activities in schools restarted this week
Edinburgh Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching, with outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds and community access to high school sports facilities also restarted.
We’re also working closely with Community Centre Management Committees to decide what services are able to operate from the centres and when.
We’ll be following the latest Scottish Government and health guidance to make sure all venues are safe to reopen. Our first priority thus far has been ensuring our schools could reopen safely for our young people and staff but strict cleaning regimes and other measures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone visiting venues or taking part in activities.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “It’s great to see our first libraries reopening their doors next week with more to follow in May as part of our plans for a gradual reopening of community amenities across the city.
“This phased reopening, which will also see the City Art Centre welcome back visitors, community centres offering essential services like youth work and Edinburgh Leisure venues up and running again, is the first step in our gradual and careful emergence from lockdown.
“Our libraries are invaluable resources for local communities as there’s so much more to a library than just borrowing books. They are trusted and much-loved hub buildings which strengthen local communities and are essential for the wellbeing of our citizens.
“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and supporting literacy.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually start to welcome people back into their much-loved local spaces like our libraries, community centres and sports venues. I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our citizens and staff.
“I’m particularly delighted that our libraries are able to begin reopening, especially here in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, but also that the City Art Centre is able to open with four fantastic new – and free – exhibitions for our residents to enjoy as they take their first steps back towards normality.”
Libraries
Central, Drumbrae, and Kirkliston will be open this Monday (3 May) followed by Craigmillar, Fountainbridge, McDonald Road and Stockbridge (10 May). Wester Hailes will reopen on 17 May and Gilmerton on 24 May.
It is hoped that the remaining libraries will open again as soon as possible after these dates.
Residents are reminded that numbers will be limited in the buildings due to the safety measures in place and visits will need to be booked in advance – this can be done online or by phoning the library.
The buildings will be open by appointment for browsing and borrowing books, using computers and the internet, processing bus passes (National Entitlement Cards) or collecting hearing aid batteries. Returning books and picking up free sanitary products will not require a booking.
Social distancing measures will be in place and wearing face coverings is mandatory.
Museums and Galleries
The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with two new exhibitions –Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s and Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light. Two further exhibitions are planned Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay (22 May) and Islander: The paintings of Donald Smith following a week later. All exhibitions are free.
Plans are being finalised for the reopening of other galleries and museums. Updates regarding reopening dates and measures in place to keep everyone safe will be published as soon as possible.
Community centres
We’re contacting all Community Centre Management Committees this week to provide support in re-establishing essential services such as youth work. As was the case before lockdown, processes are in place to allow them to identify services they want to resume and any support required to do so.
Extracurricular activities (ECA)
Outdoor ECA resumed in schools on 26 April and include activities such as sport, drama, dance music and art.
Indoor ECA aren’t currently permitted under the guidance but we’re considering their resumption alongside the need to maintain the strict cleaning regimes currently operating in our schools as the safety of our pupils and staff remains our priority.
Edinburgh Leisure
Outdoor contact sports for 12–17-year-olds started back on 5 April and community access to high school sports facilities on 19 April. Tennis courts and golf courses have been open since June 2020 with golf, in particular, seeing an upswing in participation (winter golf membership up 400%, year-on-year).
Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on 17 May, with indoor non-contact sport following in early June (as per Scottish Government’s current route map).
Four more Edinburgh libraries reopened their doors yesterday as part of a phased plan allowing more access to community facilities.
The libraries are Craigmillar, Wester Hailes, Gilmerton and Drumbrae. Their reopening follows on from six libraries that successfully reopened to the public since October – Central, Fountainbridge, Stockbridge, McDonald Road, Newington and Kirkliston.
Members of the public are reminded that numbers are limited in the buildings due to the safety measures in place and they will need to book their visit in advance – this can be done online or by phoning the library.
They will be open to browse and borrow books, use a public computer, apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) or collect hearing aid batteries. Returning books and picking up free sanitary products will not require a booking.
Social distancing measures are in place and wearing face coverings is mandatory.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “We’ve had positive feedback from the public about our six libraries re-opening two months ago which is really good to hear.
“Opening four more libraries is the next step in their phased reopening. We have missed them and are working hard to get them back up and running and this is a good step forward. We look forward to opening the rest as soon as possible in the new year.
“Libraries are invaluable resources for all our local communities. A library is not just a place to borrow books but an essential focal hub addressing the digital divide, access to literature and culture and as a point of communication and information.
“We should not underestimate their role in the communities of our city particularly for vulnerable groups. Can I also wish everyone a Merry Christmas but remember at this most difficult of times to stay safe.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “This year has obviously been really challenging for everyone and we really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually reopen our libraries as they are a lifeline for many of our citizens.
“The response from the public has been really positive despite services being limited due to current restrictions. This cautious approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”
I know you’ve all been absolutely champing at the bit for the news and I’m sorry to have left you all hanging so long but the stories you’ve heard are absolutely true …
… Drumbrae Library Hub will be re-opening on December 14th! Woooooooo!
Now, before you all get too excited I should let you know that we will be running the same service as the other libraries that are already open which means that you will need to book an appointment to get access in order to browse & borrow, use the PC’s and get your National Entitlement Card.
We will also be running on reduced hours for the moment and I have attached the opening hours in the form of a wee jpeg there (below).
From all of us at Drumbrae Library Hub I would like to thank you for your patience and I cannot properly express how excited we are to welcome you all back (in an orderly and covid safe manner)!
Public library services had a positive impact on those who engaged with them during lockdown.
Public library staff made a valuable contribution to the Covid-19 response.
Public library services and their staff could have delivered much more – but faced barriers in doing so.
Public library services have huge potential to support individuals and communities as they navigate the short, medium and long-term impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eight action areas are identified that challenge national and local governments, sector support bodies and the sector itself to go further to ensure that everyone in the UK has an equal opportunity to experience the enabling impact of the best public library services.
The report draws on public polling of 2,196 UK adults carried out by Savanta ComRes on behalf of the Carnegie UK Trust, 1,196 responses to a public library staff survey and depth interviews with 22 Heads of Service.
You can access the Making a Difference report series by clicking on the links below:
Initially at least, services will be restricted. As you might expect, numbers within buildings will be limited and social distancing measures will be in place. Face coverings are mandatory in Libraries.
We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back!
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s a really positive step forward that these six libraries are opening to the public ahead of schedule as they are invaluable resources for our local communities.
“This phased reopening, which will also see community access to sports facilities in secondary schools start up again next month, is an important step in our plans for a phased reopening of community assets across the city.
“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and also centres for strengthening local communities.”
Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually reopen our libraries, welcoming people back into their local spaces.
“Although services will be limited initially due to current restrictions, with an online booking service for some such as browsing and borrowing, I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our residents and library colleagues.
“This cautious approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”
