- 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 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.”
Background
- This is the announcement of the first round of recipients of
the PLIF Fund with second round opening on 10 January 2024 and
closing on 7 February 2024.
- Culture Minister marked this year’s
funding award with a visit to Loanhead Library, which has been
recognised with a service excellence award for its work and is
one of four libraries designated as a Warm and Well Hub in
Midlothian.
- The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the
independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library
and information related matters. Since 2020-21, Scottish
Government have provided funding of £665,000 per
year to SLIC as recognition of the importance of our Public
Libraries (an increase of £10k on SLIC’s core funding from
2019-20).
- 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. The Public Library
Improvement Fund (scottishlibraries.org)
|
Project Title/Service
|
Project Aim
|
Amount Awarded (of £106, 868)
|
|
Carnoustie Creatorspace in Angus
|
To 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 Dundee
|
This 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 Lothian
|
To 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 Falkirk
|
This 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 Highland
|
High 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/Shetland
|
This 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 Lanarkshire
|
This 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
Stirling
|
This 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
|
£53,039
|
