East Renfrewshire library project secures over £4,000 funding

The Read to Me project, created by East Renfrewshire Libraries and delivered in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council’s education department, has secured £4,740 to improve children’s enjoyment and attainment in literacy and create opportunities for digital participation.

Eleven public library projects across Scotland will share a combined fund of £201,269 from PLIF, which supports the transformation and modernisation of public libraries through the enhancement of creative projects.

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, PLIF is distributed annually to support innovation within the public library sector. The fund plays a key role in helping library services achieve the vision set out by the national public library strategy, Ambition & Opportunity. Projects address a wide range of issues such as literacy, digital training and social isolation.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I congratulate all the successful applicants to this year’s Public Library Improvement Fund – including Fife’s ‘Libraries Aspiring Learners’ project which brings families together in innovative and inclusive ways.

“The funding of over £200,000 announced today will help libraries across Scotland build on the excellent service they already provide and become welcoming spaces to reduce social isolation and help people make positive connections.

“This forms part of a total of £450,000 funding from the Scottish Government, which also supports the national public library strategy, the One Card project and Every Child a Library Member.”

Pamela Tulloch, SLIC said: “This year’s winning PLIF bids reflect the diversity of activities taking place in modern libraries. We have a variety of innovative projects. Alongside reading and literacy initiatives, there are projects designed to help people improve their health and wellbeing, learn new digital skills and take part of more cultural and creative activities. People are now using their library as a space to learn, access digital technology and take advantage of community-based projects, which have been enhanced through PLIF.

“The additional funding provided to library projects will ensure that services continue to serve the community and help meet the aims of our public library strategy for Scotland.”