Libraries must be saved for the communities they serve
It would be great, would it not, if the words “library” and “threat of closure” were not frequently heard together?
If the thousands of Scots who rely on them in their everyday lives knew their futures – and funding – were so important in society that nobody would ever come knocking to make cuts?
How great would it be if Scotland’s libraries were viewed – without any question – as important enough to be at the heart of our Covid recovery?
A lot has changed at Scotland on Sunday over the last couple of months since I was appointed editor – and tomorrow I urge you, readers of The Scotsman, to pick up a copy.
Tomorrow you will read more on the Save our Libraries campaign, promising to stand up for them, highlight their work, tell their stories and push for their futures when many face uncertain times, post-pandemic.
Our campaign is part of my promise to champion our brilliant country, our people, our sporting teams, our arts, our businesses, our traditions and our communities. Each week, we shout loudly about all our libraries bring and why they must always be protected. We aim to raise awareness and be critical of decisions which may threaten their futures.
The campaign is built on a strategy for Scotland’s public libraries published by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) – an advisory body to the Scottish Government – whose vision is indeed to place libraries “at the heart of society’s post-covid-19 recovery”.
Like countless Scots, libraries have been a huge part of my life and I was lucky enough to be taken to them from a young age, fuelling a long-standing love of reading and learning.
So far, we have had the backing of many Scottish writers who share this passion, including Alexander Mccall Smith, Ian Rankin, Lin Anderson, Chris Brookmyre and Damian Barr. “Libraries are one of our greatest public goods – on a par with our hospitals and schools,” wrote Mccall Smith.
Do you agree? If you do, please read more in tomorrow’s Scotland on Sunday.