An update on the overhanging threat of the closure of Blantyre library.
On 11th March 2024, a briefing note was issued by South Lanarkshire Council to Councillors to provide an update on their proposals to ‘mitigate’ the impact of leisure and cultural savings taking into account the measures agreed as part of the Council budget, including the Community Fightback Fund and the Future Libraries Fund.
Obtaining a copy of this report, and recognising this is a dynamic, evolving situation caused by the Council’s own decisions, we provide this update to all our readers:
In the report, it was proposed and agreed that the ‘Community Fightback Fund’ will, in the first instance, be utilised to enable SLLC to continue to operate every library (including Blantyre) for at least three months whilst new arrangements are developed, in conjunction with the Future Libraries Fund.
This means, there is a short stay of execution for Blantyre, Bothwell, Cambuslang, Forth, Greenhills, Halfway and Hillhouse libraries until the end of June 2024. Then, unless something drastic changes before then, by means of community groups managing and funding them, these buildings WILL close. The Council won’t like empty, sitting assets either, with a future unknown for the buildings themselves.
We have SO many concerns about the Blantyre library closing.
- Libraries serve as vital repositories of knowledge and resources. Closure means community members, especially those without internet access or the means to purchase books, lose access to books, research materials, and educational resources.
- Impact on Education: Libraries are essential for students of all ages. Without them, students may lack access to textbooks, reference materials, and a quiet space to study, which can adversely affect academic performance.
- Decreased Literacy Rates: Libraries often offer literacy programs for children and adults. Closure may lead to a decline in Blantyre literacy rates as fewer resources and programs are available to promote reading and literacy skills.
- Social and Community Hub Loss: Libraries are community hubs where people gather for various events, meetings, and activities. Closure may lead to a loss of social connection and opportunities for community engagement.
- Economic Impact: Libraries provide free access to resources that can support job searches, career development, and entrepreneurship. Closure may hinder economic opportunities for community members who rely on library services for these purposes.
- Increased Isolation: For many individuals, especially the elderly and those with limited mobility, the library may be one of the few places they regularly visit. Closure can increase social isolation among these groups.
- Cultural Loss: Our Library often hosts cultural events, book clubs, and author talks that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of a community. The closure of our library may lead to a loss of these enriching experiences.
- Displacement of Staff: Blantyre Library closures also mean job losses for library staff, which can have personal and economic consequences for individuals and their families.
- Negative Perception of the Community: The closure of a library may reflect poorly on the community’s commitment to education, literacy, and access to information. It may also impact the community’s reputation and attractiveness to potential residents or businesses.
- Long-Term Effects: The closure of Blantyre library can have lasting effects on a community’s intellectual and social fabric. Once closed, it may be challenging to reopen or restore library services to their previous level.
We’ve been unusually particularly vocal about this matter. Why?
Our local Councillors are caught up in the middle of this, largely unable to influence decisions already been made. It does beg the question though , what sort of organisation is SLC who can so easily CLOSE libraries?! This is the start of several years of proposed cuts. What’s next? The play equipment being removed from our parks? Taking our own wheelie bins to the tip?
Blantyre is disproportionally affected by SLLC and SLC cuts by comparison to other towns, with several of our halls targeted for closure as soon as the end of next month. We’ll be posting about this shortly.
Closing Libraries?! We won’t have it. We WILL NOT have it! We again demand that SLC rethink this strategy.
Is Scotland regressing? Why are we losing facilities in the 21 Century? Is this progression I fear not it’s regression. Perhaps we should reconsider what we need as a society! Is it no children’s play areas, no libraries or public swimming pools gyms etc. no public hall it’s a sad state of affaires that in the 70s 80s most of these facilities where taken for granted but now they seem to be a luxury.