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Seòmar agus comataidhean

Save Local Libraries

  • Submitted by: Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party.
  • Date lodged: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
  • Motion reference: S6M-16155
  • Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 05 February 2025

That the Parliament notes what it sees as the vital role that local libraries play in their communities, acting as central hubs for borrowing, learning, community engagement and sourcing advice and support; believes that the closure of libraries leaves communities without these vital services, and that this is particularly damaging for rural areas where libraries can be heavily relied on; considers that library closures have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including children, older residents and people with limited access to digital resources; notes the reported concerns raised by communities around the proposed closure of libraries across Scotland, including the threatened closure of those in the Perth and Kinross Council area; understands that local authorities have a legal obligation to provide public library services; believes that mobile libraries are often not suitable alternatives; considers that library services require adequate public funding to remain viable and have a critical role to play in achieving the Scottish Government’s priorities, including eradicating child poverty; believes that a closed library is unlikely to reopen, permanently limiting opportunities for the communities they once served, and notes the calls on the Scottish Government to help protect the future of Scotland’s libraries.


Supported by: Karen Adam, Claire Baker, Colin Beattie, Ariane Burgess, Alexander Burnett, Maggie Chapman, Foysol Choudhury, Katy Clark, Murdo Fraser, Kenneth Gibson, Ross Greer, Richard Leonard, Gillian Mackay, Liam McArthur, Alex Rowley, Lorna Slater, Collette Stevenson, Paul Sweeney, Evelyn Tweed, Mercedes Villalba, Brian Whittle