Tag: public libraries

Bold vision launched to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has unveiled a powerful new vision statement calling for urgent, sustained investment to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries.

Libraries are the beating heart of Scotland’s communities — vital community hubs that deliver cultural, educational, economic and digital benefits for millions across the country.

Places where people learn, connect and thrive. Yet, with 55 libraries lost since 2013 – seven libraries closed in 2024/25 alone – many more cut, and funding varying dramatically between councils, SLIC warns that without coordinated national action, Scotland risks deepening inequality and losing one of its most trusted and transformative public services.

The new vision, Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries, sets out a clear agenda for a financed, fairer and future-ready library network that supports the nation’s ambitions for inclusion, innovation and net zero.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Libraries are essential public infrastructure – every £1 invested delivers almost £7 in community benefit. They are engines of opportunity, equity and wellbeing.

“This vision is a call to action to ensure every person in Scotland, no matter where they live, has access to a thriving library service.”

Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries makes clear asks of government and partners to safeguard and strengthen the nation’s library network.

Under the themes of financed, fairer and future, the vision calls for:

  • Sustainable national funding to be factored this into any future growth or investment deals with regions or local authorities, reversing decline.
  • A national policy framework recognising libraries as essential public infrastructure, ensuring consistent funding and protection under Scottish law.
  • A minimum universal standard of library provision, guaranteeing that everyone — regardless of postcode — has access to a well-resourced local library.
  • Recognition of libraries’ cross-sector role in supporting education, health, wellbeing and climate literacy — embedding libraries in wider government strategies.
  • Sustained investment in digital infrastructure, modern facilities and innovation programmes to close the digital divide and prepare libraries for the future.
  • Commitment to long-term capital investment to deliver modern, energy-efficient, net-zero-ready library buildings that reflect the needs of 21st-century communities.

Scotland’s 14.5 million annual library visitors — nearly four times that of the Scottish Premiership football season attendance — demonstrate their enduring relevance. From supporting early literacy and digital skills to improving mental health and community wellbeing, libraries remain among the most effective and inclusive public investments available.

SLIC is calling on policymakers, partners and the public to back its vision ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Election and work together to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries for generations to come.

“A Scotland that values learning, creativity and fairness must also value its libraries,” added Alison Nolan. “Our vision is about ensuring that these vital spaces are not only protected, but empowered to flourish.”

To learn more and support the vision statement, visit:

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

020725 SLIC Vision – AsksDownload

PICTURES: Paul Chappells

£450,000 fund to spark innovation across Scotland’s public libraries

Public libraries across Scotland are set to benefit from a share of £450,000 as part of a fund which supports bold, community-focused projects that strengthen their role as trusted hubs for learning, wellbeing and inclusion.

The annual Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) awards grants to projects which align with the vision set out in FORWARD: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025, with the strategic aims grouped under the themes of ‘People’, ‘Place’ and ‘Partnership’.

This national strategy maps out an exciting future for Scotland’s public libraries with work set to continue into 2026 to ensure services are able to build on the groundbreaking work of the past four years.

The 2025/26 PLIF – administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government – has opened for applications (Monday 18 August) to promote innovation across Scotland’s public library sector.

This year’s funding priorities reflect the expanding role of libraries as a hub for trusted information, upskilling and guidance, with applications which address key societal challenges encouraged.

The 2025/26 PLIF will prioritise projects that support:

  • Tackling mis/dis information  
  • Supporting democracy  
  • Tackling child poverty through support for attainment  
  • Support for family wellbeing
  • Economic growth and co-production

As well as providing funding for innovative library projects across the country, PLIF also supports the delivery of Scotland’s national public library strategy (FORWARD), and allows SLIC to continue its valuable research work. This £450,000 investment takes the total to £5.5 million over the lifetime of the PLIF scheme.

Scotland’s Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “We believe libraries are at the heart of Scotland’s communities.

“That is why we provide annual funding to the Scottish Library and Information Council, including £450,000 towards the Public Library Improvement Fund, which exemplifies the transformative power of libraries, from introducing digital inclusiveness to teaching about economic wellbeing.”

Last year, 13 projects received a share of PLIF funding, supporting Gaelic and Scots language and new Scots languages, digital inclusion and sustainability initiatives.

One of the projects awarded an £11,000 grant was the Interactive Orcadian Flora Trail, an initiative created by Orkney Library and Archive to tackle social isolation while highlighting the diverse and varied plant life that can be found across the islands.

The trail, which officially launches later this week, also celebrates Orcadian culture by providing an opportunity to hear the Orcadian dialect, with flower poems created and recorded by Orkney Voices.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “PLIF has transformative power for public library services. Projects like Orkney Library’s Orcadian Flora Trail showcase libraries’ place at the heart of cultural, educational and social life.

“Over the years, we’ve seen inspiring PLIF projects which preserve heritage, spark creativity and serve local needs flourish long beyond the initial funding term, becoming lasting assets to the communities they serve.

“The thread running through all the PLIF applications we see is a clear commitment to delivering something meaningful and impactful for local people. PLIF gives services the opportunity to bring ambitious ideas to life, and I would strongly encourage libraries across the country to apply.

“We’re looking forward to receiving fresh applications that reflect the innovation, dedication and community pride that defines Scotland’s public library services and that bring this year’s themes into focus to ensure libraries continue to lead as trusted, inclusive spaces at the heart of every community.”

The PLIF 2025/26 is now open to applications and will close at 12pm on Friday 19 September 2025.

For more information on how to apply, visit: 

The Public Library Improvement Fund (scottishlibraries.org).

£450,000 public library fund to boost inclusion and sustainability across Scotland

Public libraries are eligible for a share of £450,000 to support advocacy, digital inclusion and sustainability in their services

The 2024/25 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), which is administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, opened for applications yesterday (Monday 19 August) to support innovation across the sector.

The annual fund awards grants to projects which support the vision set out in Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025. The strategic aims are grouped under the themes of People, Place & Partnership, with the strategy mapping out an exciting future for Scotland’s public libraries.

This year, priority will go to applications which support Gaelic and Scots language and new Scots languages, digital inclusion and sustainability.

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson said: “Libraries are fundamental to our communities and can be a lifechanging resource for people of all ages. The £450,000 Public Library Improvement Fund supports this vital role by helping our hardworking library staff bring their innovative ideas to life.

“Many communities across Scotland have already benefitted from previous rounds of funding, which enabled projects to address specific needs or opportunities in their communities. I welcome the opening of applications for this year’s round and would strongly encourage any libraries with ideas about how they could support this year’s priority themes to put themselves forward.”

Last year, 13 innovative public library projects were supported by a share of the 2023/24 PLIF, enriching the communities they operate in, with a commitment to creating long-term impact.

Supporting creativity and sustainability, the projects awarded funding – which included ‘Stay Connected’, a digital inclusion project in South Ayrshire; ‘Business Matters’, an economic wellbeing programme delivered by Moray Council, in partnership with Business Gateway, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); and the ‘Sustainable Communities’ hub project run by Culture Perth and Kinross – highlight the role libraries play in closing the attainment gap, combating social isolation and bridging the digital divide.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Public libraries are the lifeblood of our communities, offering inclusive spaces where everyone has equal access to important services, resources and information. They play a pivotal role in every aspect of social, cultural and daily life, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of their users.

“Investing in our libraries goes beyond enhancing physical spaces — it’s about empowering people, fostering a love for learning and bridging gaps to ensure that no one is left behind.

“The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) enables libraries to expand their offerings and provide even greater support to the communities they serve.

“Guided by the principles of people, place, and partnership, we would encourage every public library to seize this opportunity and help lead the way in shaping the future of our services.”

The Public Library Improvement Fund 2024/25 is now open to applications and will close at 12pm on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

For more information on how to apply, visit: The Public Library Improvement Fund (scottishlibraries.org).

Scottish Book Trust survey of public librarians reveals a vital service under pressure across Scotland

An ambitious new report by Scottish Book Trust has revealed that one in three librarians in Scotland believe that their whole service is at risk of reduction or loss.

The Survey of Public Librarians, as part of the Value and Impact of Scotland’s Libraries research, published by Scottish Book Trust, Scotland’s national book charity, also revealed a vital service under threat from underinvestment. It reports:

  • 82% of public libraries reported a restriction in their resources and funding
  • One in three public librarians said they had lost librarians and other library staff
  • One in three public librarians reported that their whole service is at risk of reduction or losses

The report reveals the vital role libraries play in the community as they help to close the poverty-attainment gap. Librarians overwhelmingly agreed that they not only provide free access to all forms of books, but offer a safe, warm and accessible space where those without computers can access digital resources and support, with help from knowledgeable and approachable staff.

While libraries across Scotland are facing ongoing cuts, librarians reported a widespread lack of understanding from their local authorities about the social, long-term impact of their service.

Two thirds of the librarians surveyed reported that their community faces digital poverty, and libraries are bridging the divide.

96% of librarians reported that their library offers access to Wi-Fi, 99% to computers with internet, 71% to ebooks and eReaders and 40% to courses in digital skills

These are lifelines for those with limited resources, including the homeless, the elderly and those who have been released from prison.

Librarians also reported that their libraries are a safe space for refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ people and disabled or neurodiverse people.

As one librarian stated: “We are the first place that people come when they need help, possibly the only place in a landscape of shrinking services. When we are gone then these other agencies will need to foot the time bill and the mental health crisis we are averting.”

This survey of public librarians is part of a wider study of both public and school libraries in Scotland, as conducted by Scottish Book Trust, in partnership with the National Library of Scotland (NLS), the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS).

Preliminary findings from school librarians will be published over the summer, with the final report published later this year.

Marc Lambert, Chief Executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Libraries are a vital lifeline for communities across Scotland. Not only do they provide free access to books in a warm and safe environment, but, as this wide-ranging report reveals, they are also a levelling up factory that sends people in a positive direction.

‘There is no other public space where people can access information, combat digital poverty, learn new skills, socialise with others, express themselves creatively, and seek to self-improve, entirely for free. It’s incredibly concerning that these important institutions are endangered.’

Scottish Book Trust is also conducting a survey of public library users, which will be open for responses until the end of June 2024.

The impact of Scotland’s libraries – Scottish Book Trust

Support for new public libraries projects

Funding to connect libraries with local communities

A group of eight innovative new library projects designed to enrich communities across Scotland will be brought to life through a share of £106,868 support received through the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF).

These projects include the introduction of a comprehensive library outreach offer in East Lothian, a digital project focusing on celebrating Dundee’s Maritime Pasts and Future, and High Life Highland’s sensory project, which aims to engage with those with autism and dementia among many others.

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The Scottish Government places great importance on public libraries. We believe that everyone should have access to library services. So I’m pleased to announce this first round of projects for the 2023-24 year – eight new programmes that will make a positive difference to local communities across Scotland.

“Congratulations also to Midlothian Library Service, who were awarded the 2023 SLIC Service Excellence Award for its work with supporting communities during the cost-of-living crisis. It is fantastic to see the central role Loanhead Library plays in the everyday lives of local people – bringing the values of the #MidlothianCares initiative to life.

“I understand first-hand the valuable service libraries provide across Scotland – during my childhood, my local library was a real sanctuary for enjoyable learning and it played an important role in my development.”

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “Public libraries, through their diverse offerings and inclusive nature, contribute to all areas of social, cultural and daily life.

“They allow people equal access to services, resources and information, and many are continually building on their offering to further transform and thrive in line with the changing demands and requirements of their users.

“Investing in our public libraries is not just about enhancing physical spaces; it’s about empowering minds, fostering a love for learning and bridging gaps to ensure equal access for all. The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), from the Scottish Government, allows services across Scotland to enhance their offering to provide further support which benefits the communities in which they operate.

“With people, place and partnership at the heart, we can’t wait to see how the eight projects awarded funding flourish over the next 12 months and would encourage public libraries across Scotland to consider how they can help lead the way in developing our services and apply for the second round of funding today.” 

Project Title/ServiceProject AimAmount Awarded (of £106, 868)
Carnoustie Creatorspace in AngusTo create a space on the upper floor of Carnoustie Library which is currently used as an Exhibition Space to exhibit work by local artists and creative clubs. This space will focus on the provision of tools, equipment and resources to foster artistic design and creativity.£14,715
Dundee’s Maritime Pasts and Future in DundeeThis project will be a partnership between the Local History and Steam Hub departments in Dundee Central Library. Volunteers will work with Local History staff to create a digital resource which presents logbooks in their historical context, exploring the whaling industry in Dundee, its environmental impact, and the city’s relationship with nature and the sea over the years.£6,400
East Lothian Libraries – Community Centred Service in East LothianTo establish a dedicated resource for a comprehensive library outreach offer in East Lothian, work with Families Together East Lothian (FTEL), to offer families support with budgeting, parenting, neurodiversity and bereavement. Participation sessions will also be offered to families not using libraries to enhance take up of the ‘Every Child a Library Member’ programme.£3,960
Return Journeys: developing pathways back to the library for identified under-reached groups in FalkirkThis project aims to work with partners, and identified groups (traveller community, refugees and asylum seekers and care-experienced individuals) to identify barriers to library use and develop strategies that will enable effective use of services. The project will then develop library services that meet their specific needs of identified groups.£10,484
High Life Highland Libraries Making ‘Sense’ for Communities in HighlandHigh Life Highland’s sensory project aims to engage with and improve the health and wellbeing of hard-to-reach groups including those with autism, dementia, physical impairment, and those who are socially isolated.£6,000
Making a Noise in the North: Fair Access to Reading for the Visually Impaired in Orkney/ShetlandThis project concentrates on improving the reading experience for users with additional needs, such as visually impaired and dyslexic customers. Also key to the project is promotion of library services and staff development.£5,500
Lending Voices: Portable Podcasting in Your Library in South LanarkshireThis project offers accessible podcasting services in public libraries. This will enable users to create, learn, and engage with podcasts. The project aligns with the library’s mission to foster learning, share knowledge, and engage with communities through digital literacy and enriched cultural expression.£6,770
Evidencing the social impact of public libraries in StirlingThis project seeks to evidence and better understand the social impact Stirling Council Libraries have within their local communities; and to produce a methodological toolkit from lessons learnt which other public libraries can use to conduct similar evaluations

Culture minister announces £200k boost for public libraries as project grants awarded

Public libraries across Scotland have been awarded funding to support a series of trailblazing projects, as part of the 2022/23 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF).

Announcing the initiatives receiving Scottish Government grants during a visit to Danderhall Library, Culture Minister Neil Gray took the opportunity to highlight the role libraries play in closing the attainment gap, reducing social exclusion and promoting equality of opportunity and reading.

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), which distributes funding on behalf of the Scottish Government, selected eight initiatives to receive grants from the 2022/23 PLIF, supporting sustainable development and innovation within Scotland’s public libraries.

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “Public libraries are at the heart of our communities and this year’s awards will go towards a range of projects to further enhance the services they provide.

“I’m also pleased to see that many of the eight projects receiving a share of the £200,000 from the Scottish Government funded Public Libraries Improvement Fund will be delivering their programmes in partnership with other organisations.” 

Joining children from Danderhall Primary School for a storytelling session, Mr Gray spoke about Every Child a Library Member – a new drive to encourage parents across Scotland to introduce children to reading and library use from an early age, while highlighting some of the initiatives underway at public libraries across Scotland.

Available to all public library services in Scotland, PLIF priority was given to applications which support the strategic aims set out in Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025, focusing on ‘People, Place and Partnership’, including an additional support needs training programme in Aberdeen and the creation of ‘Live Well Health’ information hubs across Glasgow.

Other initiatives awarded grants aim to combat social isolation, bridge the digital divide, help close the attainment gap and mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis:

  • Aberdeen City: Building Bridges, Overcoming Barriers
  • Angus: Using the Mobile Library to Grow Community Library Services
  • East Ayrshire: On the Road to Digital Success
  • Glasgow: Live Well Health Information Hubs
  • Glasgow: Connect, Engage, Retain
  • Moray: Digi Bytes and Takeaways
  • North Ayrshire: Off the Page
  • Orkney: Sensory Exploration in Orkney

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of SLIC, said: “The Public Library Improvement Fund allows services across Scotland to enhance their offering to provide support which benefits the communities they operate in most.

“It allows libraries to lead the way in enriching the sector’s offering and with people, place and partnership at the heart of this innovation, the advantages of library use for people of all ages has never been more clear. And that’s why we’re supporting library use from as early an age as possible with ECALM.”

ECALM is focused on embedding a delivery pathway for library membership at key stages throughout early childhood – birth registration, nursery, and primary school enrolment – to support improved language, literacy and social skills while ensuring that every child in Scotland has access to the valuable learning resources available in public libraries.

For more information on the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/funding/the-public-library-improvement-fund/ and to find out more about ECALM, visit EveryChild.scot.

PICTURES: Lesley Martin

East Lothian and Inverclyde Library teams claim top prizes at SLIC awards

Library Services teams in East Lothian and Inverclyde have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their local communities by picking up the top prizes at Scotland’s leading sector awards ceremony.

The Scottish Library & Information Council’s (SLIC) awards for ‘Library Service Excellence’ and ‘Project of the Year’ were handed out on Friday (28 October) at a ceremony in Glasgow, with the East Lothian and Inverclyde teams pipping three other shortlisted library service teams in each category for the prestigious accolades.

The awards recognise the commitment, creativity and value libraries across Scotland offer the people and communities they serve, acknowledging exceptional innovation and service design between the period from June 2021 to June 2022.

SLIC Chair, Professor Ian Ruthven, who led the awards judging panel (which included Ruth Plowden, Writer/Fundraiser/Chair Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust and Catherine Salmond, Editor of The Herald) said the quality of entries for the 2022 competition had been exceptional.

“We were all really impressed by the range of innovations and commitment to local communities shown by the nominations.   What was characteristic of each of the entries was this strong relationship between libraries and their communities; identifying local needs, working with communities to use the skills of libraries and library staff to improve people’s lives, and putting libraries at the heart of their communities.

“So often when reading the entries, we thought ‘only a library can do this’.

“Last year we found it hard to select a winner, so this year we created two awards, one for ‘Project of the Year’ and one for ‘Library Service of the Year’.  This only made it harder…so for the first time, we have a winner in each category and a highly commended award.   Huge congratulations to all involved.”

East Lothian’s Library Services team had been shortlisted for the SLIC ‘Library Service Excellence Award’ for their activities on the theme of ‘championing the local community’.

East Lothian is served by 12 local branches, six secondary schools, a local history centre and a Library HQ. Between July 2021 and June 2022, the service welcomed 4,584 new members and facilitated 243,538 loans (an increase of 60 per cent from the previous year) across local sites.

Their entry described East Lothian’s commitment to involving the whole community, notably through the creation of two new Community Librarian posts. The entry also highlighted clubs, events, author visits, imaginative use of digital and other activities which together delivered a thriving local library service.

Shetland Libraries (who were highly commended), High Life Highland Libraries and Inverclyde Libraries were also nominated in the category.

In the SLIC ‘Project of the Year’ category, the Inverclyde Libraries team had been shortlisted for their focus on sustainability ahead of and linked to the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.

The project aim was to stimulate long-term public engagement in the lead up to and following COP26, and it was described as ‘inspirational’ in the way in which it grew the sense of community.

It linked the ‘local’ to the ‘global’ through author events, involving members of the community, including those in the prison population who are not often included in climate conversations, and contributed to the circular economy through lend-and-mend hubs. 

The judging panel felt the project was ‘a powerful and cohesive project that acts as a model for others.’

Aberdeen City Libraries (who were highly commended), East Lothian Library Services and Falkirk Libraries were also nominated in the category.

The 2022 Awards were open to all SLIC members, with the winners receiving a trophy and cash prizes for their success.

The Awards were sponsored by Innovative who provide comprehensive technology suites for public libraries.

For more information on the SLIC Awards, visit: 

The SLIC Awards (scottishlibraries.org)

Keep the Heid and Read!

A new Scotland-wide reading initiative has been announced to inspire and encourage people to read every day to boost their mental health and wellbeing.

A national reading moment, called ‘Keep the Heid and Read!’ will take place on Wednesday 11 May, during Mental Health Week 2022. Readers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to pledge to read for just six minutes on 11 May – and they can read anything, from books and magazines to comics, graphic novels and blogs.

An online totaliser to count the overall reading time pledged by the nation will be launched on 11th April where both individuals and groups such as schools can sign up to get involved at www.keeptheheid.scot. People can also follow the progress of Keep the Heid and Read using #keeptheheid on social media. 

The reading campaign is led by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Scotland’s 32 public library services.

Boys Reading in a Library

The idea was inspired by the post-lockdown plea for public libraries to reopen and the growing recognition that libraries play a valuable role in supporting mental health and wellbeing by connecting communities. 

It is taking place during Mental Health Week because of the known mental and emotional health benefits of reading. Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress by 68 per cent. Establishing a regular reading habit has the biggest impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive at SLIC said: “The reading moment came about from an awareness that people have missed their libraries during the pandemic, coupled with the joy and benefits people gain from reading.  It is the most popular cultural activity people undertake and, during the COVID-19 lockdown, reading was the nation’s most popular pastime.

“We want everyone to get involved on 11 May by pledging to read for six minutes.  It is a great way for people to reconnect with their local libraries, which offer an abundance of free reading material and library staff can make recommendations based on reading ability and interests. 

“Getting lost in a good book is a highly effective stress reliever and reading fiction, in particular, can inspire creativity and boost emotional intelligence, not to mention improve overall levels of literacy.”

Chris O’Sullivan, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to support ‘Keep the Heid and Read’.  Local libraries are a fantastic source of support in our communities and we hope that every person in Scotland has, and continues to have, access to the world of books, social connection and services they offer.

“We know that reading has many benefits for our mental health; it can bring us joy, help us to relax and it can help alleviate the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.  We encourage everyone to take part in the six minute reading event during mental health week and develop a reading habit.”

Culture Minister Neil Gray added: “Reading books for pleasure can have a huge impact on our wellbeing so I’m delighted to support this Scotland-wide reading initiative. Our libraries have a vital role to play in reconnecting communities and promoting health and wellbeing as we recover from the pandemic. 

“I’ll be pledging my six minutes of reading on 11 May and would encourage everyone else to pick up a book to do the same to support their local libraries.”