Edinburgh to start opening libraries a week earlier than planned

Reduced service to start with

Central Library is one of six due to open on October 6

THE reopening of six city libraries has been brought forward by a week to October 6.

But Central Library on George IV Bridge, along with McDonald Road, Fountainbridge, Stockbridge, Newington and Kirkliston libraries will only offer browsing, borrowing and returning items for the first week.

Other servies, including access to computers, printing, photocopying and bus passes, are due to resume on October 13.

Culture and communities convener Donald Wilson said: “We all realise how invaluable this service is to our local communities and it’s an important step in our plans for a phased reopening of these community assets across the city.

“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and also centres for strengthening local communities. We all want to see our libraries up and running again and I hope our residents understand that we have to make sure our buildings are safe to do so. Our top priority is always the health of our citizens and our library teams.”

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