Midlothian Libraries make awards' shortlist for community work

​Libraries have been proactive in their response to the cost of living crisis.​Libraries have been proactive in their response to the cost of living crisis.
​Libraries have been proactive in their response to the cost of living crisis.
Midlothian Libraries has been shortlisted for the Scottish Library and Information Council’s Library Service Excellence Award for its proactive response to cost-of-living challenges.

Honouring excellence in library services across the country, with a particular focus on those who have demonstrated a wider positive impact on the communities they serve, Midlothian Libraries is one of just four library services in the running for the award.

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This will be whittled down to one winner and one highly commended in the Service Excellence category next month at the annual SLIC AGM and Showcase, where services will be recognised for their outstanding commitment to creating value for their communities, and a strategic approach to ensuring library services continue to meet users’ ever-evolving needs.

Midlothian Libraries has been shortlisted for its proactive response to cost-of-living challenges. As part of Challenge Poverty Week last October, the service relaunched four Warm and Well Hubs in partnership with other social services, providing advice on benefits, employability support and household budgeting.

The service has also expanded its Lend and Mend offering into three branches, complemented by sewing and repair clubs to help people learn new skills.

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Last year, the Midlothian team picked up the prestigious accolade for their work.

Alan Clarke, SLIC chairman, who is leading the judging panel alongside Scottish author Theresa Breslin OBE and journalist Garrett Stell, said: “The SLIC Awards are about more than recognising first-class library services and innovative projects – they’re about shining a spotlight on the passionate people behind them who are channelling a great deal of care and creativity into every inspiring initiative they drive forward.

“From tackling cost-of-living challenges and embracing the circular economy, to creating community cohesion, this year’s submissions have shown that library services don’t shy away from taking on the big issues, and that the possibilities are boundless.

“Congratulations to the eight services shortlisted for the 2024 SLIC Awards. We look forward to inviting the nominees to celebrate their achievements with us next month.”

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