Ten Glasgow Libraries to reopen for PC access only
Glasgow Life, the charity which delivers culture and sport in the city, has announced that 10 libraries have reopened to allow customers to access computers and the internet.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 23 March 2021 12:12
Revised Scottish Government guidance allows public libraries to open to provide free computer access only, in areas within level four of the Scottish Government’s strategic framework for managing Covid-19. Following the latest Scottish Government update, a further announcement on the re-opening of Glasgow Life venues will be made soon.
Gorbals, Ibrox and Pollokshaws libraries in the south, Bridgeton, Library at the Bridge (Easterhouse), Royston and Shettleston libraries in the north east, and Drumchapel, Partick and Possilpark libraries in the north west of the city are all set to re-open to provide free computer access.
A free, pre-booked appointment is required to use the library computers. Customers wishing to book PC access can do so either by calling or visiting one of the 10 libraries during opening hours. All PC sessions are limited to 60 minutes, to cope with expected demand.
Dr Bridget McConnell, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “While computers and internet access are an essential part of daily life, particularly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we know that lack of access and understanding of technology continues to create huge divides across our city.
“Throughout the pandemic, Glasgow Life has been supporting people to access technology in their own homes, providing free-phone support on a range of digital applications from Zoom calls to email, as well as offering help and advice to Universal Credit claimants.
“However, we know that not everyone in the city has access to computers and the internet at home, and that’s why we are opening up 10 of our city’s libraries to enable the people of Glasgow to access vital online services safely.”
Prior to lockdown, many people across Glasgow relied on the free computer and internet access at the city’s libraries. In 2017, the Scottish Government estimated that over a third of households in lower income brackets in Scotland had no internet access at home. Across Scotland, research conducted by Inspiring Scotland concluded that around 800,000 people are estimated to face digital inequality across the country.
Using their position at the heart of the community, Glasgow Libraries are creating opportunities for residents to book an appointment to use the free library computers in 10 libraries city-wide for essential tasks, be that keeping in touch with family and friends, shopping online or making and maintaining Universal Credit claims.
All 10 libraries will be open from 2pm – 7pm on Tuesdays, 11am - 4pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am – 7pm on Thursdays and 10am - 2pm on Saturdays. They will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
In all libraries, one way systems have been introduced, alongside hand-sanitising stations, screens, signage, and a PC booking system; all of which are there to help protect both visitors and staff. In every venue, capacity will be, by necessity, much lower than usual.
Printing, scanning and photocopying will be available to those with a pre-booked computer session.
Access technology will be available on request in all libraries, except Library at the Bridge, with Zoomtext readers that enlarge, enhance and read-aloud content on a computer screen, and Hi-Vis keyboards provided for customers to use with library computers free of charge. Free to use JAWS technology is also installed in Drumchapel, Gorbals and Bridgeton libraries.
The 10 libraries will be open for free computer access only. Customers will be unable to borrow books, or retrieve reserved items. All overdue library fines will be waived until 1 October 2021.
Further information on the services available in Glasgow Libraries, and information on other Glasgow Life venues and facilities, can be found at www.glasgowlife.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!
Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!
READ MORE
Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.
READ MORE
The Maclean Brothers row onto Celtic Connections bill as new wave of shows announced
The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the world-renowned Celtic Connections bill, it has been announced.
READ MORE
BBC CBeebies starts the panto season at Glasgow cinemas
The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Glasgow from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the largest Black Friday Theatre Sale in the UK
As part of Trafalgar Entertainment, customers can now access some of the best theatre ticket deals for shows at the Pavilion Theatre as well as unmissable productions in the West End.
READ MORE
BBC ALBA Hogmanay Ceilidh to broadcast live from Glasgow
BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music's biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026.
READ MORE
Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow
The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green
Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish
Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun
The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet
Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.
READ MORE
Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850
More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.
READ MORE
ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green
Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.
READ MORE
77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups
The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.
READ MORE
Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes
Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio
Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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).
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links