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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

After meeting with MSPs in Parliament yesterday, we were pleased to hear this commitment from Angus Robertson to look at the definition of 'adequate' public library services. We hope the Cabinet Secretary will be willing to meet with us very soon before more libraries are lost in Scotland.

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

The people of Glasgow are no strangers to fighting for their communities. In September 2023 Cardonald Library was suddenly closed by ALEO, Glasgow Life apparently due to RAAC in the roof. Numerous protests to 'Gies back oor books' have happened, and a petition launched last week has 1340 signatures.

“I am gutted my local library is shut. I had never used a library before this one and miss the community feel and accessibility. I know so many in the community are losing out on vital socialisation, particularly the elderly and those most vulnerable in society. Furthermore it creates issues in accessibility for many in accessing computers. It's not fair, the community deserves better.”

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Down in North Ayrshire, several libraries are under threat as the council have them on the chopping board as they make budget cuts. Once again, the communities of Saltcoats and Ardrossan are back petitioning again as the council meet to decide on spending for 2025/26.

“Saltcoats library is more than a library. It is a community hub. The library hosts so many different events and there is no reason why this couldn’t be extended further. The book club I took my son to as a baby kept me sane in his early years and it was great to meet up with other parents who were going through the same emotions as me with a new baby. I still visit the library often even though my son is older.” - Sharon, Save Saltcoats and Ardrossan Libraries Petition

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

In a similar story to Moray and Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross are faced with the threatened closure of seven libraries by Culture Perth and Kinross, an ALEO. Local campaigners in the area have begun organising together, as they hope the Council provide funds to stop the cuts.

Alyth library is such a lovely place to visit and browse the books. I love that unlike a bookshop, my kids can pick what they like and I don't have to worry about cost. There is always a warm welcome and useful community information.” - Gillian, Save Alyth Library Petition

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

The people of Moray have had to fight against closures before. Just over ten years ago they were preparing to submit a judicial review to Court of Session, when Moray Council reversed their decision on several of the libraries up for closure. Now seven libraries are under threat there again.

“The library is important to this community it helps children in the area to read it helps the elderly to keep brain active. It's a small community with not a lot in the area the next nearest library is miles away which not everyone can get to, the library also helps people that don't have computers and are able to use the ones in the library.” - Ruth Save Moray's Libraries Petition

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Kintore is just one of 13 libraries that Live Life Aberdeenshire want to close due to an apparent lack of funding from Aberdeenshire Council. For some towns and villages their library is their last remaining community space, like in New Pitsligo who recently saw their Community Centre close as well.

“In this village, the library serves as more than just a place to find a book. It serves as a central hub for many clubs, a safe space for people who share similar interests to come together for a chat, a technology hub for those who may not have internet or printers at home plus so much more. This, added with the closure of the St John's Centre is yet another huge blow to this amazing, but seemingly forgotten community.” - John, New Pitsligo Petition

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

This quote reflects the thoughts of many library users in Kintore, Aberdeenshire who were told their library wasn't getting enough footfall. The library which is in a building next to the primary school is very popular as evidenced by the petition and many local community Facebook groups.

A banner reads: Scotland's Library Campaigns Community Voices “Our local library at Kintore is such a part of the community. For me it supports my book club and others in the area. We are very rural and there can be very real issues relating to isolation, which these sorts of local groups, supported by the library, help to alleviate. The repurcussions to communities, when libraries close, goes much further than just the provision of books.”
Karen, Kintory Library Petition

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Right now some of our members are in Holyrood hoping to meet MSPs over lunchtime. We wanted to give them a flavour of why people all over Scotland have been signing petitions against the closure of libraries, and the reasons public libraries matter to them.

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Friends of Scotland's Libraries @foscotlibs.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Today, we sent a press release to journalists ahead of tomorrow's Save Local Libraries Debate in Scottish Parliament. We hope tomorrow starts an important conversation about how Scotland's libraries can thrive instead of just fighting for survival. Read full Press Release here: bit.ly/40ZPuyo

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