Scottish Library and Information Council – The NEN

Trailblazing Scottish school library projects awarded share of £150,000

Pupils across Scotland are set to benefit from a £150,000 funding boost as school library projects across the country secure grants through the 2025-26 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, SLIF supports creative initiatives in line with Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools, the national strategy for the development of school libraries.

This year, 17 innovative projects across 78 schools have been awarded funding.

The successful projects focus on developing employability skills, digital literacy, creativity and family learning, with initiatives designed to boost pupils’ love for reading, support neurodiverse pupils and strengthen the bond between parents and children through reading.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, said: “School libraries play a vital role in getting children and young people excited about reading, empowering them to learn and preparing them for the future. That’s why we’ve proudly supported the School Library Improvement Fund since it started in 2017.

“This year’s funding means that over £1.8 million has been made available to help schools create innovative programmes that bring pupils closer to books and stories.

“This helps improve literacy skills and supports our work to close the poverty-related attainment gap, and I’m confident that the projects announced today will have a positive impact for pupils across Scotland.”

The 2025-26 successful SLIF projects:

Aberdeen: Holy Family RC Primary School – The Nest Library: Assistive Technology for Inclusive Reading
Angus: Liff Primary School – Hear to Read, Read to Lead
Argyll and Bute: Colgrain Primary and Pre-5 Unit – Our Connected Learning Community
East Lothian: Dunbar Primary, Dunbar Grammar and Families Together – Getting It Right for Every Reader
East Renfrewshire: Eastwood High, Woodfarm High, Police Scotland – Open Goal: Fostering Emotional Intelligence Through Football
Falkirk: Grangemouth High, Carrongrange High and cluster primaries – Myths and Legends
Highland: Culloden Academy and five primaries – Reading is for Everyone
Inverclyde: 20 primary schools – Couch to Classroom: A Story Sharing Project
North Lanarkshire: Shawhead Primary – Developing Our Pupils’ Digital Minds
Renfrewshire: Across primary and secondary schools – Renfrewshire Read for Empathy Project; St John Ogilvie Primary and cluster primaries – Young Voices, Big Ideas: Empowering Pupils Through Podcasting
South Lanarkshire: Wester Overton Primary – Family Lending Library – Working Together; Duncanrig Secondary – Extraordinary Lives Project
Stirling: Riverside Primary – Read to Thrive; Fallin Primary, Wallace High, Fallin Community Library – Let’s Read a Story
West Lothian: Bathgate Academy – Beyond the Shelf: A Digital Hub for Inclusive Reading; Armadale Academy and cluster primaries – Butterflies

Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries are safe, inspiring spaces that help young people learn, grow and reach their full potential, and the School Library Improvement Fund champions that spirit of creativity and innovation.

“This year’s 17 successful projects reflect the ingenuity of school library teams who are committed to developing employability skills, strengthening digital literacy and fostering family learning in their communities.

“This latest investment will help school libraries continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of pupils, parents and teachers and we’re excited to see these trailblazing initiatives come to life.”

The 2025-26 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.87 million since the scheme’s inception.

Open to all state-run nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the fund allows schools to apply individually or collaboratively, ensuring wide and equal access to this transformative support.

For more information about SLIF and to learn about some of the previous projects, visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

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 – Asks Download

PICTURES: Paul Chappells

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.

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.

£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).

£150,000 investment in school library improvement scheme

School libraries across Scotland are set to benefit from a £150,000 funding injection earmarked for projects supporting the development of employability skills, digital literacy and family learning, through the 2025/26 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, SLIF supports creative and innovative projects in line with the key aims of ‘Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools’ – the national strategy for the development of school libraries in Scotland.

Open to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools in Scotland, this year’s fund will prioritise project applications which promote the themes of cross curricular working and developing employability skills, delivering digital literacy and exploring digital creativity, and cluster working and family learning.

The 2025-26 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.87 million over the lifetime of the scheme.

Announcing the opening of the fund for 2025-26, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, said: “School libraries are a vital part of the learning community across Scotland and we know they can help foster habits of reading for pleasure among our young people from an early age, which can support learning and help close the poverty related attainment gap.

“I am determined to ensure that our school libraries continue to prosper and would encourage all head teachers who think their school could benefit for this important funding to apply for a share of this £150,000 of investment from the Scottish Government.

“This year’s fund will support family learning and help deliver more digital literacy and creativity, in line with our ambition to develop an innovation nation and support greater whole family support.”

17 projects across Scotland benefited from last year’s funding boost of £150,000 which focused on developing literacy and numeracy, information and media literacy, and mental health support.

Successful projects included ‘reading picnics’ in Edinburgh’s Craigentinny Primary, the ‘s’more reading for mental health’ initiative across Aberdeenshire school libraries, and ‘building empathy through reading’ in Falkirk’s Braes High School.

Alison Nolan, chief executive officer of SLIC, said: “The SLIF supports creative, innovative projects within Scotland’s school libraries and every year, we are struck by the ingenuity of the forward-thinking services that drive progress with trailblazing projects that best meet the evolving needs of their school communities.

“With the latest funding pledge of £150,000 for school libraries announced, it’s the perfect time for services to reflect on what’s possible. We encourage teams to think boldly about how they can develop and transform their offering, and submit an application that brings those ideas to life in support of pupils, parents and colleagues.”

Schools can submit an individual or collaborative application, with SLIC accepting up to two individual applications per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications to ensure equal opportunities across the country.

The School Library Improvement Fund 2025-26 is now open. Applications will close on 27 August 2025.

To find out more and apply, visit: The School Library Improvement Fund – The Scottish Library and Information Council.

Edinburgh Libraries awarded funding for new sustainability partnership project

Edinburgh Libraries are among the thirteen services to receive a grant from the 2024/25 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF). Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund supports initiatives designed to inspire engagement across areas such as digital upskilling, sustainability and inclusivity.

Delivered in partnership with community repair hub The Edinburgh Remakery, this new project will promote sustainability through the provision of tech donation boxes in all 28 libraries in the city. Visitors will be able to donate their old devices, which will be repaired and given a new home if possible and recycled responsibly if not.

Other projects to receive a share of the 2024/25 fund include an interactive flora trail in Orkney, equality, diversity and inclusion training in Glasgow and workshops for young people facing digital exclusion in East Dunbartonshire.

As one of few open-access spaces left in our local communities, the remit of libraries is ever-evolving and service delivery teams maintain a sharp focus on meeting the needs of modern users. The PLIF 24/25 grant, launched in August this year, prioritised applications seeking to strengthen digital inclusion and sustainability efforts, as well as Gaelic and Scots language and new Scots languages initiatives.

The projects awarded PLIF 24/25 funding include:

‘Innovation Station’, a new teaching hub in Aberdeen City Library
‘Sensory Library Services’, for library users with additional support needs in Angus
‘Cultural Connections’, expanding the collections of Gaelic and Ukrainian language books in Dumfries and Galloway
‘Creating Social Engagement through Digital Activities’ with children and young people in East Dunbartonshire
‘Libraries and Remakery Partnership Project’, hosting tech donation boxes throughout Edinburgh
‘EDI: Change-making Leadership and Practice Development in Public Libraries’, management training in Glasgow
‘Library Digital Learning Stations’, promoting accessible, self-paced learning opportunities in Midlothian
‘Tech Trolley: Outreach for Inclusive Futures’, facilitating intergenerational learning in Moray
‘Beyond Ramps: Creating Safe and Supportive Library Spaces For All’, tackling barriers for physically disabled library users in North Lanarkshire
‘Interactive Orcadian Flora Trail’, tackling social isolation in Orkney
‘Inclusive Libraries’, in partnership with Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) in the Scottish Borders
‘Libraries Empower Connections’, taking on child poverty and digital exclusion in West Dunbartonshire
‘Fèis Ghàidhlig Leabharlainn’ (Libraries Gaelic Festival), literary arts workshops and events celebrating Gaelic language in the Western Isles

Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of (SLIC), said:“Public libraries offer truly diverse value to their communities. They provide access to vital services and resources, a wealth of social activities and are hubs for expression and creativity.

“Investment is so important for the continued provision of these services, and the Public Library Improvement Fund is one of the ways in which we bolster our public libraries.

“People, place and partnership are the pillars of our strategy for Scotland’s libraries, and this year’s winners captured the spirit of that vision. These thirteen projects expand on the vision of a library as solely a centre of literacy – they encourage civil engagement, expand people’s skillsets and celebrate the richness of local heritage.”

Culture Minister, Angus Robertson, added: “Libraries are at the heart of our communities, offering inclusive and accessible spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, create, and connect.

“The Public Library Improvement Fund brings important projects to life, which will make a positive impact on people. This year’s 13 innovative projects show the difference libraries can make to communities and how they can help to unlock people’s potential, increase employability and improve wellbeing.”

The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) is an annual £450,000 administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council on behalf of the Scottish Government that sees £200,000 given to support creative, sustainable and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.

£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

Edinburgh primary school awarded grant to support diversity and inclusion project

Frogston Primary School in Edinburgh has been awarded a share of £200,000 to support a progressive diversity and inclusion project, as part of the 2023/24 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Fund supports creative and innovative projects within the school library sector in Scotland.

Available to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools with a library, this year’s funding priority was given to applications which focused on supporting anti-racism and racial equality.

The £200,000 2023/24 SLIF has been allocated to a total of 21 initiatives across 13 local authority areas in Scotland, including the ‘Holistic Inclusion Hub’ project in Edinburgh.

Frogston Primary School’s ‘Holistic Inclusion Hub’ aims to support parents from diverse backgrounds and pupils with additional needs to meet, talk, learn, and access resources in a safe space.

The project, in collaboration with Edinburgh Libraries, aims to break down barriers with those who feel alienated from the school community and find it difficult to access school – and wider – services through the established channels, such as parents from ethnically diverse backgrounds and refugees.

This brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.7m over the lifetime of SLIF, playing an important role in helping school library services achieve the key aims of ‘Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023’ – the strategic document for the development of school libraries in Scotland.

Congratulating the successful applicants, Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said: “School libraries play a key role in our efforts to further boost literacy and continue improving attainment, but they are also places where positive values can be developed and celebrated.

“Projects supported by this funding will help young people to understand the harmful consequences of racism and ensure they feel empowered to challenge discrimination.

“Scotland’s school libraries are a vital resource, and all children should have access to the opportunities they provide. This funding will help ensure that young people from all backgrounds feel the full benefits.”

Available to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools with a library, this year’s fund has been shared across 13 local authority areas, from Dumfries and Galloway to Aberdeen City.

SLIC accepts up to two individual approaches per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications to ensure equal opportunities across Scotland, with priority for the 2023/24 funding given to project applications focusing on supporting anti-racism and equality.

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of SLIC, said: “School libraries play a key role in accelerating education and learning, and ensuring every young person has the chance to fulfil their full potential by enabling access to information and creative opportunities.

“Each child, school and local authority is different, with differing priorities, and therefore funding programmes like SLIF help to improve and expand the tailored services school libraries can provide. That’s why it’s great to see Scotland’s school library services being proactive with their approaches with strong applications coming in from schools eager to further develop these resources.

“We’re particularly proud to award support to those advocating for anti-racism and anti-discrimination through this year’s Fund, with many projects aiming to increase access and support for pupils who may experience barriers to learning, including those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

“Involving children and young people, and their families, in defining the school library service creates a flexible space for reflection and conversation where learning and creativity are encouraged in a nurturing environment. We look forward to seeing these initiatives come to life.”

For more information on The School Library Improvement Fund, visit:

scottishlibraries.org/funding/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

Promoting equality in schools

Further library funding announced

Around 20,000 pupils are expected to benefit from anti-racism and equality projects based in school libraries across Scotland.

A total of 21 schools will be awarded a share of £200,000 from the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Projects include:

books to support children who have recently arrived in East Ayrshire from countries including Ukraine
teaching pupils Black, Asian and minority ethnic history as part of learning on historical links to slavery in Inverclyde
a Holistic Inclusion Hub to support parents and pupils from diverse backgrounds to feel more included in the school community in Edinburgh.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the funding during a visit to Annette Street Primary School in Glasgow, which will use the investment to support children from the Roma community.

Ms Gilruth said: “School libraries play a key role in our efforts to further boost literacy and continue improving attainment but they are also places where positive values can be developed and celebrated.

“Projects supported by this funding will help young people to understand the harmful consequences of racism and ensure they feel empowered to challenge discrimination.

“Scotland’s school libraries are a vital resource and all children should have access to the opportunities they provide. This funding will help ensure that young people from all backgrounds feel the full benefits.”

Chief Executive of Scottish Library and Information Council Pamela Tulloch said: “School libraries play a key role in accelerating education and learning, and ensuring every young person has the chance to fulfil their full potential by enabling access to information and creative opportunities.

Glasgow City Council’s Convener for Education and Early Years, Councillor Christina Cannon said: “Our schools and teachers are always looking at ways in which to support our children and young people – particularly pupils with English as additional language – and this additional funding will help provide resources to complement this work.

“Our diversity is something that we celebrate and we are proud to have more than 113 languages spoken across the city.”