Glasgow Life confirms next phase of reopening for libraries

Glasgow Life, which delivers culture and sport in the city, confirmed that a further 12 community libraries will reopen to the public in early 2021, bringing the total number open to 23.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 11 December 2020 13:16

The following libraries will open by the end of March, depending on localised health and infection rates and subject to Glasgow being in, or below, level three of the Scottish Government’s local Covid protection levels: Anniesland Library, Cardonald Library, Castlemilk Library, Dennistoun Library, Govanhill Library, Hillhead Library, Knightswood Library, Langside Library, Pollok Library, Pollokshields Library, Riddrie Library and Springburn Library.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Everyone deserves the best Glasgow life possible and the opportunities provided by our libraries are central to our aspirations. They are cherished and valued by our citizens and the services they provide offer a lifeline to many. As we recover from the pandemic our libraries will be more vital than ever.

“I’m delighted that more than 8,000 new members have signed up to Glasgow Libraries since the spring. Glaswegians thrive on access to the power of reading, information and discovery as much today as they have done for the past 150 years.

“Whilst suppressing the spread of the virus in our communities must remain the first priority and each reopening must be carefully assessed, we’re committed to reopening our facilities as soon as is safe. I’m pleased that the next phase will see a further 12 community libraries soon able to welcome and support people across our city.”

Councillor David McDonald, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, added: “Taking a phased approach to reopening has allowed Glasgow Life to understand how best to operate our venues in a Covid-19 environment; keeping staff and visitors safe while we are adjusting to the new measures that we’ve had to put in place.

“These have been valuable lessons to ensure that people can feel confident about re-engaging with our services. Whilst visits may look a little different as we work to ensure that the venues are safe for our staff and visitors in the weeks and months ahead, all are welcome to come and use our libraries and benefit from their services.”

More than 8,400 people have joined Glasgow Libraries since the beginning of spring and, with more libraries set to open city-wide, customers will once again be able to refresh their reading materials at their local library. There’s no need to make an appointment to borrow a book from any of the reopened Glasgow libraries, although you may need to queue due to restricted numbers. All overdue library fines will also be waived until end of March.

In what has been a difficult year for many, more than 200 Glasgow Libraries customers took part in a survey which revealed why local libraries are important to the people of Glasgow.

One Pollokshaws Library user, said: “I really need the library due to my mental health and I really missed seeing people. All the staff have been amazing and made me feel safe and welcomed.”

Another library user, who visited Drumchapel Library, said: “I use the library daily. I missed the contact with staff and using the computers. The staff in Drumchapel Library make it a wonderful place to visit.”

In addition to book borrowing, library visitors will once again be able to access computers and the internet for free, with printing available at all re-opened libraries.

A number of the community libraries will provide in-person employability support and financial inclusion advice through the Family Finance scheme. Telephone appointments and face-to-face support with accessing Universal Credit will also be available at selected libraries city-wide in early 2021.

Macmillan at Glasgow Libraries will continue to offer telephone appointments to provide practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer, with face-to-face appointments planned to resume at a number of libraries in early 2021.

In addition to the planned reopening of a further 12 community libraries, Glasgow Life has already reopened 11 libraries, three museums, Tramway, 12 Glasgow Club venues, 58 sports pitches, 19 outdoor and indoor tennis courts and two golf courses, to the public.

However, as is mandatory under level four of the Scottish Government’s strategic framework for managing Covid-19, these venues are temporarily closed until Saturday 12 December.

As well as running community libraries, Glasgow Life operates the city’s culture and sport services, from museums, music venues and community centres, to gyms, outdoor sporting activities and sports centres. The charity also delivers events, from grassroots programmes designed to engage the city to those which put Glasgow on the international map. These activities are designed to enhance the city’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing.

Like many organisations, Glasgow Life has been hit hard by the pandemic. The complete shutdown of its venues in line with Government guidance, together with the cancellation of events and festivals has meant millions of pounds of income is no longer available. Glasgow Life is currently predicting a year-end shortfall in budget of £20.3m as a result of the pandemic. The charity is being supported financially by Glasgow City Council to continue to deliver services and open venues where this is viable.

As a result, the charity continues to be prudent and responsible financially while working to ensure, as far as possible, that its resources are used to the greatest effect across the city.

Increased costs are also impacting on the charity’s ability to re-open venues and deliver services. All Glasgow Life buildings are having to be reconfigured to ensure they are compliant with Covid-19 regulations, and need to be thoroughly risk assessed before they can re-open.

In libraries, one-way systems have been introduced, alongside hand-sanitising stations, screens, signage, and a booking system at the Mitchell; all of which are there to help protect both visitors and staff. In every venue that has reopened, capacity is, by necessity, much lower than usual.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations

Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!

Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.

Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup

Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.

Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio

Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026

Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.

Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible

For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026

Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow

Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026

The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Glasgow Life confirms next phase of reopening for libraries

Glasgow Life, which delivers culture and sport in the city, confirmed that a further 12 community libraries will reopen to the public in early 2021, bringing the total number open to 23.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings