Save the Libraries

Kaitlin Dryburgh

As we see funding for public services being absolutely obliterated, in their wake lays disappointed people and opportunities missed. Quite rightly we’ve concentrated on the NHS, transport and education and the funding gaps in their budgets, meanwhile leisure services have slid down the priority list. Yet for many they were an essential lifeline.

Libraries were once upon a time a fixture in any community, and we’ve somehow made them appear like a relic from ye olde days, something that we need to upgrade to fit in with the digital age. Yes, admittedly times have moved on and with the invention of the internet came with it a lesser need for books. No longer would you need to traipse to the library to get a book for your school project when you could just go online (if that’s an option available). With that we also have kindles and ‘prime delivery’, we can google a recipe and if you’re daring enough you can google the synopsis of a book for your school book report. By all accounts it seems that the government and in turn local authorities place little value on libraries.

Something that is evident by the closing of numerous libraries. Aberdeen City Council had to announce the closure of six libraries in March of this year, in order to save precious funds. Glasgow City Council has announced that they have also cut their School Library Outreach Service. Although now reversed, North Lanarkshire had committed to closing 39 facilities which included six libraries and a mobile library that helped to service the area. Although the council has made a U-turn on their original decision the future of those services are not certain, and funding will again soon run out. Although it seems the closures are coming in hot and heavy as of late, there has been a consistent drip of closures as the concept of libraries had become less of a priority. Since 2010 one in eight libraries in Scotland have closed which is a grand total of 83 libraries, this number was correct as of March this year and since then there have been more closures. In just over ten years there has been a 30% spending cut for libraries in Scotland. It’s getting to the point where it’s becoming harder to find inside public spaces that are fully accessible.

So what will people be missing out on? The obvious one being books. Libraries offer a free way into reading for enjoyment, not every family/indivdual has the freedom to purchase as many book as they please and why should you if you have the ability to borrow. Providing as many children the opportunity to find the enjoyment in reading has countless benefits, from improving literacy, vocabulary, attaining a better understanding of other cultures and gaining insight into community participation. Yet libraries go much further than books. They are a safe, warm and welcoming place, they are neutral and non-judgemental. Both in the private and public sectors we can see the shift to digital, yet it’s a false assumption that everyone is capable of adapting to this when one in five in Scotland don’t have access to the internet including 25,000 children. Online library services don’t reach everyone and for some the library offered free Wi-Fi and computer services. During Covid library managers noted seeing people sitting outside just to gain access to the free WI-Fi even when the building remained closed. If we are freely allowing all services to go digital we must offer free access to computers and Wi-fi.

With the cost-of-living crisis rumbling on and our heating bills not relenting in the steep prices we’ve been exposed to some heartbreaking stories of children going home to cold houses. A library offers a warm accessible workspace, if home may be too cold, or too hectic it offers a place for children to do their homework. High energy bills may have only recently forced some families and children to consider libraries as an alternative to home but for a longtime libraries have been there for those who don’t have a dedicated workspace at home or need a calm environment. For them the library is an essential service, and its closure could have potentially long-term effects. Over the years the shortening of their opening hours has also caused issues.

Even though local government legislation states there must be a library service on offer the terms in which that is met is up for debate. Moving to a mostly all-online service would be deemed an acceptable alternative.

As mentioned the need for books may have changed, but that’s okay. Libraries shouldn’t have been made redundant; they should have moved with the times. We have a government which is apparently committed to establishing a circular economy, so why don’t they see the potential in libraries? As they don't have to offer just books, they could have included tools, sporting equipment, or anything really. Last year I wanted to camp at a festival, yet I was well aware that I was not going to be a frequent camper. So I tried multiple times to try and hire a tent, without any luck. That would have been a perfect opportunity to use a community library. Want to try paddle boarding but don’t want to invest in an expensive board beforehand, starting a sewing project, or you’re doing some DIY work and need a jig saw, why not use the local library? Tool libraries are slowly being recognised as an integral part of a circular economy and more are starting to spring up, but the majority of these are founded by community groups and rely on donations and grants to continue their work. Which is a great thing but if we want large scale change then we need large scale help to implement tool libraries and that needs national level support.  

So how can we say we’re promoting a circular economy when we have proceeded to close the very fixture in our communities that has always symbolised circular economics. What’s the next best thing, you can scour the second-hand bookshops in the off chance you find the book you’re looking for, or you can conveniently order online at discount price and have it arrive the next day. Unfortunately the latter would seem more appealing to many.

There still is a huge potential for community libraries but it requires ‘big picture’ thinking. In the meantime libraries are already about so much more than books and their closures will have negative impacts on many people. I remember the joy of visiting the library when I was younger and it’s sad to think that for some children that may no longer be an option.