Scotland has a proud history of public libraries, dating back to 1883 when the world’s first Carnegie Library was established in Dunfermline. (Currently open and hosting his Bookbug sessions regularly!)
However, the library sector has faced significant challenges over the past 15 years, particularly since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Scottish Book Trust carried out an independent study to establish the continuing impact of public libraries and demonstrate their invaluable value as a public service.
Where libraries succeed
While researching Reading in Scotland.(This link opens in a new window) (2022), Scottish Book Trust has discovered many people who trust and love their local libraries.
It’s essential that a well-stocked, free library is readily available to everyone.
The same survey found that before lockdown, 75% of people used libraries to get printed books for themselves, and 94% of people with children used libraries to get printed books for themselves. I was using it.
Libraries provide free access to books, of course, but they also provide unique opportunities for the community.
Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) report in 2020(This link opens in a new window) Libraries “contribute to improving people’s health and welfare” [. . .] Everything takes place within a trusted, welcoming community space with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. ”
Further research shows that libraries
- Contribute to alleviating social isolation
- reduce the achievement gap
- Reach a highly diverse audience across all protected characteristics
- Provide a safe place where people can stay indefinitely without expecting payment
- We provide free computers and Wi-Fi so people can go online, access other services and support, and apply for jobs.
- directly impacting positive mental health and well-being (SLIC 2022;(This link opens in a new window) CILIP2019(This link opens in a new window))
From an economic and sustainable development perspective, public libraries serve as “anchor institutions”, meaning they provide local communities with the regeneration of their cultural and social infrastructure.
Libraries are also key to driving digital accessibility, particularly in rural and remote areas, helping to close the UK’s digital skills gap, which costs the economy an estimated £63 billion a year.(This link opens in a new window)
economic impact
Despite continued community support, funding for public libraries has consistently been sharply reduced.
In the ten years between 2008 and 2018, public libraries in Scotland faced a decline of 14%.(This link opens in a new window)Open Library went from 604 to 521.
Since 2010, more than one in eight public libraries in Scotland have been forced to close.(This link opens in a new window). Despite annual visitor numbers increasing by more than 40%, funding for the same period was reduced by 30%.
There is deep public concern about these cuts and closures, as reflected in the Leading in Scotland report.
I fear that many of the students at the school where I work are not so lucky. Many students do not all have books at home, not all have the money to buy books, and not all have internet access to access e-books from public libraries. Not everyone has an adult at home encouraging them to engage with books and stories. This disparity has existed for some time, and it will continue to widen.
For me, libraries have always been one of the essential services in my life. I will happily return to the library once the lockdown is over. My local library is doing amazing things. For example, new moms, Friday school children, senior groups, etc.
I grew up in poverty, so the local library was essential to me. I’m worried about my children these days when many libraries are closed.
Estimates suggest that for every £1 you invest in a library, you get between £5 and £7 in return.(This link opens in a new window) – Delivering a staggering £5bn to £6bn a year in benefits to the UK economy.
What the Scottish Book Trust does
Scotland currently operates over 500 public libraries across the country, each providing a valuable service to their communities.
Scottish Book Trust works closely with many of these, reaching people across Scotland through programs such as Live Literature, Bookbug, digital storytelling and our annual Book Week Scotland.
The Scottish Book Trust has also partnered with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to give every foster child in Scotland from birth to five years of age, and every adopted child, one free book each month.
Find out how you can Support Scottish Book Trust or Get involved at your local library(This link opens in a new window) today!