Cash injection for East Kilbride libraries

East Kilbride libraries will benefit from a £100,000 government fund to Scottish public libraries to help tackle social isolation and loneliness.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture has announced an innovative social wellbeing project aimed at the creation of memory groups.

According to NHS Scotland’s 2018 report“Social isolation and loneliness in Scotland: a review of prevalence and trends,”around 11 per cent of Scots are living with social isolation and loneliness.

The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) grant is the largest ever made and the project marks the first time library services throughout the country will collaborate on one single venture.

In partnership with the Scottish Football Museum, the Library Reminiscence Project hopes to have an emphasis on social history, to help stir conversations and allow group members to reminisce, with topics expected to range from food and shopping to childhood and leisure.

It’s hoped that by finding common ground and sharing stories, group members will foster lasting connections and feel a stronger sense of community.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:“The Scottish Government places great importance on libraries to empower, to tackle inequality, and to reduce isolation. The library is now seen as the community‘living room’of the modern town.

“By receiving the largest grant made to date from the Public Library Improvement Fund, I am confident The Library Reminiscence Project will bring libraries from across Scotland together with the shared goal of making a positive difference to people’s lives.”