The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Trip inspires new page for libraries
Afamily journey Down Under has inspired a top politician to look for ways to create exciting new 21st Century libraries.
A new report by the Carnegie UK Trust details the value of the facilities during lockdown and it has inspired council leader Ma r g a r e t Dav i d s o n to suggest the creation of a modern “blended” library in Inverness.
She believes it could go along with the transformation of city areas such as Upper Bridge Street and the Town House car park.
While on a trip to visit family in New Zealand, Mrs Davidson said she had been taken to see the new fives t o r e y library in Christchurch, built following a 2011 earthquake.
She said: “I was astonished and started to realise what a library is capable of.
“It was a mixture of traditional library and hitech digital areas, with studios and study areas.
“And it was full of people. It had a cafe, the place was buzzing and the children’s section was heaving.
“If we get the opportunity in phase two or three of the castle transformation project, we should really be thinking about a 21 s t Century library for the Highlands.
“There is the small obstacle of mo n e y to overcome but first of all you have to have a vision for everyone to get behind.”
The Carnegie report, by Dr Jenny Peachey, describes how libraries have helped during lockdown.
She says the transferable skills of staff were a huge help to people.
Some used 3D printers to make PPE for local NHS and care home staff and worked with local groups to deliver new services.
However, Dr Peachey says digital deficiencies in the service prevented staff from delivering more, as did the restrictive attitudes of local authorities.
“The impact of these various barriers meant public library services were unable to act as a service of first resort in the way they did before lockdown: a safety net for communities, the lonely or isolated and ‘ borderline’ or ‘ hidden’ people,” she added.
“In some cases, it also meant staff were unable to draw on their valuable skill set to support communities and local authorities in the most effective way.”
Mrs Davidson said it was time libraries became a service online as well as physical.
“Libraries have been really influential during the pandemic,” she said.
“Lots more people have become digitally enabled and we should make the best of that.
“Let us think about how we can involve people more, especially if they’re housebound and how we move into the future. I can’t help but believe that a man with as much vision and wish to do well for society as Carnegie would get behind us as we move into the future and make something fit for purpose.”
In a call to full council next week, she and Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner will suggest a cross-party meeting on the matter.
Hi g h Life Hi g h l a n d (HLH) operates 40 public libraries, 22 school libraries and eight mobile units across the Highlands.
Its chairman Ian Ross said: “HLH ver y much looks forward to having the opportunity to work with colleagues in the council to consider ways in which this very important service can be protected and enhanced across many towns and villages throughout the region.”