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Scottish Libraries Nominated for British Book Awards Amid Funding Challenges

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Key Points
  • Eight Scottish library services are finalists for the 2026 British Book Awards Library of the Year, including Craigmillar and Parkhead libraries.
  • Scottish libraries have seen a 22.7% increase in loans to 25.3 million items in 2023/24, but over 10% have closed since 2014 due to funding cuts.
  • Library engagement saves NHS Scotland £3.2 million annually through health support, with local economies gaining £6.95 for every £1 invested.

According to major media reports, Craigmillar Library in Edinburgh, Parkhead Library in Glasgow, and Orkney Library and Archive are among the finalists for Library of the Year. The exact dates or timeline for the British Book Awards 2026 have not been announced. ' She added, 'Every day they help tackle some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, supporting literacy and learning, enabling digital participation, helping people into work, reducing social isolation and opening doors to new opportunities.

7% increase from the previous year. However, Scotland has lost more than 10% of its public libraries since 2014, and mobile libraries have almost halved since then. 2 million annually through non-clinical health support, though the specific programs involved are not detailed.

The fact that so many Scottish libraries have been recognised as finalists for Library of the Year is a testament to the vital role they play.

Alison Nolan, SLIC chief executive

95 of benefit for every £1 invested in libraries, according to a British Library analysis. 41, compared to higher investments in countries like Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. The specific council funding cuts affecting Scottish libraries and which councils are involved remain unclear.

Every day they help tackle some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, supporting literacy and learning, enabling digital participation, helping people into work, reducing social isolation and opening doors to new opportunities. For many, the library is their first point of access to culture, knowledge and possibility.

Alison Nolan, SLIC chief executive
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Evening Standard - MainThe National Scotland
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