CILIP Scotland publishes open letter over proposed library cuts in South Lanarkshire

The head of CILIP Scotland has published an open letter to South Lanarkshire Council raising concerns about proposals that may lead to seven libraries closing. 

Sean McNamara, head of CILIP Scotland, said the closures, if they went ahead, would see users have to travel up to eight miles for a library, affecting more vulnerable residents or those with disabilities.  

He said: “Your libraries are cherished parts of their communities, and as well as the above they offer unique support with learning, Bookbug and similar vital early years activities, plus free period products, hearing aid batteries, dog bags and many other resources. From hosting an animal foodbank for the nearby Scottish SPCA Rescue & Rehoming Centre to mindfulness and mental health support sessions, as well as political surgeries and drop-ins on childhood speech and language therapy." 

He said CILIP recognises “that the funding arrangements for local government are not sufficient to meet the needs of vital services” but stressed that councils have "a legal requirement to provide library services that meet the needs of communities and that reductions to services do not disadvantage anyone under the Equalities Act". 

David Booth, South Lanarkshire Council’s executive director of community and enterprise resources, said: “Severe financial pressures on our own budget and that of South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture mean consultation is currently under way on the future of a number of halls and other facilities. 

“If, following that public consultation, SLLC requires to withdraw from any of these facilities then both SLLC and the council will work with local community groups to support their potential transition to new arrangements for continued provision within their local areas.”