Live Borders Library Service wins a successful funding application
Live Borders Library Service has been awarded £7,513 after a successful funding application to the Scottish Library and Information Council’s Public Library Improvement Fund. The Public Library Improvement Fund brings important projects to life, which will make a positive impact on people.
This year Live Borders will be one of thirteen innovative projects to show the difference libraries can make to communities and how they can help to unlock people’s potential, increase employability and improve wellbeing.
The Live Borders project will utilise this funding to make Borders libraries more inclusive spaces in a number of ways, including specialised Autism Friendly training for library staff, the purchase of sensory bags and ear defenders for visitors with sensitivities, and the purchase of two blackout dens that can be used in libraries when some quiet time is required.
Councillor Neil Richards, Vice Chair of Live Borders stated:
“Live Borders libraries provide an ever-growing range of services, from the physical library service, to mobile libraries criss-crossing the region, children’s activities and the expansive digital and online services including PressReader and Borrowbox providing e-books, on-line magazines and e-audio resources. Libraries are much more than places to find books, and it is so important for Live Borders to make them as inclusive as possible right across the region. This funding will enable more people to access more services, and I congratulate the library team on securing the funding.”
Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Member for Housing & Culture said:
“This is great news for the library service. I am delighted that this additional funding has been awarded to help bring more people closer to the wonderful word of books and reading, and in particular, become a more welcoming place for people with Autism and other sensory needs.”
This Project is supported by the Scottish Government Public Library Improvement Fund. The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) is an annual £450,000 administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council on behalf of the Scottish Government that sees £200,000 given to support creative, sustainable and innovative public library projects throughout Scotland.
Live Borders operates seven libraries across the region, offers a range of services from Lego session, BookBug, cinema screenings as well as providing a warm and safe place for the community to visit and enjoy activities programmes created by our library and mobile service teams.
Links:
Scottish libraries granted £200,000 to support provision of community benefit projects – The Scottish Library and Information Council
Live Borders Library Services: https://www.liveborders.org.uk/our-library-services/
