Guest judge Theresa Breslin commented that the libraries are “providing optimism for the future”.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Library Service Excellence Award was given to Shetland Libraries for their dedication in keeping the service relevant, modern, and useful for all ages. Judges also noted that the libraries were “a place of escapism from the cost of living” and noted a 43% increase in library visits.
The NLS secured the SLIC Project Excellence Award for the “Fitba Research Club: Andrew Watson’ Legacies’ project”. It gathered 13 people aged 18-25 from “under-represented and minoritised communities across Glasgow” to celebrate the contribution of Black people and people of colour in Scottish sport.
Alan Clarke, chair of SLIC, praised both institutions for the work they have done:
“Shetland Libraries provides a perfect example of inspiring local leadership, ensuring all generations are catered for, from young families enjoying Bookbug to elderly users seeking digital support services.
“The breadth of their offering is testament to the encouragement and training provided to their staff, who have played an instrumental part in securing this win today.”
Commenting on the NLS award he said:
“This project showed a clear willingness and intention to be led by the voices that it was trying to promote.
“Delivering far more than its already ambitious aims, it has directly affected participants’ confidence, language skills and attainment levels, not to mention inspiring a new SFA Women’s Social Football Coaching Programme tailored to minority communities.”
Guest judge for 2024’s award ceremony, author Theresa Breslin, commented: “Revealed in the entries, and providing optimism for the future, was the range and depth and diligence of the work that is happening in Scotland’s library services. I was inspired by the shortlisted submissions which highlighted evidence of forward thinking and enthusiasm. Huge congratulations to the winners and highly commended.”
Joining her on the panel, The Herald journalist and education specialist Garrett Stell added: “The degree of dedication and creativity on display in all of the SLIC Awards entrants demonstrated why libraries are such a vital resource for all walks of life. Congratulations to the winners and to every branch that entered, keep up your important work.”
Stirling Council Libraries and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture were also highly commended in the Library Service Excellence and Project Excellence categories respectively.
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture was recognised for its ‘Lending Voices Portable Podcast’ project, giving users the platform and tools to share stories, ideas and knowledge, enriching local culture and creating a sense of community.
Stirling Libraries was commended for bringing community back to libraries. This was exemplified by Dunblane Library, which supported Ukrainian communities staying at Dunblane Hydro to use its services and introducing a collection of Ukrainian adult and children’s books.
