Libraries are in line for a £1m makeover

Renfrewshire schoolkids are booked in for a library boost, thanks to a new funding windfall.

Education bosses have earmarked £1million to improve school libraries over the next three years.

And the School Library Improvement Fund will be open for education authorities to apply for funding on behalf of school libraries in their area.

It will fund projects designed to enhance library provision at schools, as part of a wider approach to improve literacy skills and educational attainment.

Deputy First Minister and education secretary John Swinney said: “School libraries play a vital role in supporting literacy and improving attainment.

“The launch of the improvement fund will further strengthen that role – giving school libraries access to additional resource that can improve the service they provide to pupils.

“This could be improvements to the library environment, funding for additional activity to engage more young people to use the school library or projects that will encourage wider engagement with the local community.”

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of SLIC, added:“School libraries have a huge contribution to make to education and learning. A well-run school library, with professionally qualified librarians, leads to higher educational attainment.”