Universal library card scheme for children planned

A new pilot scheme is being launched in every local authority in Scotland to give library cards to every child.

All children will be given a library card either at birth, age three or four or in primary one, and libraries will be encouraged to work more with schools and communities to promote the services they offer to families.

The £80,000 scheme was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday after results from the 2014 Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy in April showed a decline in literacy among Scottish children.

“Libraries can empower communities – often in our most deprived areas where we know that young people can have lower levels of literacy and numeracy.

“Access to books and learning materials will help us to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get excited about reading,” said Sturgeon.

There are over 600 libraries and other service points (such as mobile libraries) in Scotland but the service has been the subject of cuts in recent years. Sixteen libraries in Fife were earmarked for closure in Fife in June with the loss of 25 jobs.

The Scottish Government has a new national strategy for Scotland’s public libraries, revealing a vision for strengthening their role in communities and responding to developing technology.