'Warm banks' & the public library improvement fund

The Public Library Improvement Fund 2022 is now open for applications. The fund, administered by SLIC, is open to every Scottish Public Library Service & supports creative, sustainable & innovative public library projects.

As supporting the strategic aims of Forward: Scotland's Public Library Strategy 2021-2025., the fund prioritises projects which support the following:

  • Bridging the digital divide

  • Tackling the cost of living crisis (economic wellbeing)

  • Closing the attainment gap

  • Sustainability

‘Warm banks’

In other library news, Martin Lewis (money saving expert) has teamed up with the UK’s library and information association to offer tips and guidance considering becoming “warm banks”.

Warm banks or warm spaces are places where vulnerable people and those hit hard by the cost of living can spend time.

An outocme of the collaboraiton is A Warm Welcome guide which sets out guidance for libraries who want to offer themselves as warm banks.

Lori Anderson