Communities are being hit hardest by library closures

Libraries in Scotland have become endangered because of repeated cuts by councils and government, a charity has warned.

Almost 100 libraries have closed since 2008, research by the Scottish Book Trust shows.

The report, published during Scottish Libraries Week, paints a picture where the facilities are the centre of communities giving valuable resources to many vulnerable groups.

More support for the sector is called for with increased funding and published data made much more comprehensive, authors say.

Key findings from the report will be presented at the Scottish Government Cross Party Group on Culture and Communities event in Parliament on Wednesday, 4 June, which will explore the role of libraries and other cultural institutions as community hubs. 

One particular area of importance for libraries is digital inclusion. Recent research has found that around 15% of the Scottish population faces some form of digital inequality, and that 19 council areas in Scotland “have a high likelihood of digital exclusion.” However, almost all libraries offer access to wifi and computers, and 70% also provide access to ebooks.

The report also highlights the contribution of libraries to “learning opportunities” in communities. It notes that around a quarter of adults in Scotland may face “challenges and limited opportunities” due to poor literacy levels, and that these individuals tend to earn less than they otherwise would with even basic literacy skills.

Nearly 70% of respondents said that access to learning is a “very important” aspect of library provision, with examples including the use of library materials for online learning, and individuals teaching themselves new skills that helped to improve their lives.

Another area of focus for researchers was “active citizenship”, which refers to “the library's role in supporting communities to be informed about their democratic rights and access, to be empowered to voice their concerns and decisions, and to engage with their local authority, all with the goal of shaping local and national services to their needs.”

Survey data shows that libraries are seen as welcoming, inclusive spaces that are able to reach and support a diverse range of people and ensure equal access to information. Disabled, LGBT+ and autistic library users are all quoted supporting the idea of libraries as a “safe space” for those who need it.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Libraries and Information Council, said: “This research highlights the essential role of Scotland’s public libraries in advancing equity, education, and community wellbeing.

“By elevating the voices of users and staff, it reveals how libraries anchor resilient communities and help individuals navigate critical challenges -from low literacy and misinformation to economic hardship and mental ill health. A timely and urgent reminder that sustained investment in libraries is not optional -it is fundamental to building a fairer, more resilient society." 

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Library policy is devolved to local authorities, and ministers expect councils to ensure there is adequate provision of library services for their residents.

“We believe libraries are at the heart of Scotland’s communities. That is why we provide annual funding to the Scottish Library and Information Council, including £450,000 towards the Public Library Improvement Fund which exemplify the transformative power of libraries, from introducing digital inclusiveness to teaching about economic wellbeing.”