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.

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

Latest Glasgow News

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square

The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.

KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.

Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme

Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Double win for Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant in Glasgow at the Asian Restaurant Awards

Two of Glasgow's most loved dining spots, Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant, have achieved a remarkable double victory at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2025.

Omniplex Cinema Group acquires iconic Renfrew Street cinema

Omniplex Cinemas has announced the acquisition of Glasgow's iconic Renfrew Street cinema, the tallest cinema in the world, marking an exciting new chapter for the venue.

Design your own FORTY t shirt at two stores in Glasgow tomorrow

Glasgow's homegrown streetwear brand, FORTY Clothing, is marking a major milestone in style with a series of creative design events for its customers across its stores tomorrow.

Casting announced for The Enormous Crocodile at the Kings Theatre Glasgow

The Roald Dahl Story Company today announces the full cast for the wickedly funny family musical based on Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile!

One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!

FIRST LOOK: GlasGLOW returns Miles Better with its biggest show yet

80,000+ visitors expected, with opening weekend sold out, as itison unveils epic new images!

Five March brings Samhain celebrations to Glasgow with a long table five course feast

Iconic Glasgow west end restaurant, Five March, is teaming up with Edinburgh Gin to mark the end of the harvest season with a Samhain celebration feast.

Cast announced for Citz festive retelling of Beauty and The Beast

A celebration of being bold and gloriously yourself, this year’s Citizens Theatre production of Beauty and The Beast is a family-friendly and funny new take on the classic fairytale.

Expanded River Island opens at Glasgow Fort, making it the largest branch in Scotland

As part of a major 'glow up' for the brand at Glasgow Fort, River Island has relocated its existing store within the centre to a larger, more modern unit, located between Superdry and BPerfect.