In 2024 alone, Scotland's public libraries have been considered low hanging fruit for cuts and closures in too many local authority budgets. It has become essential that librarians and communities are empowered and given a solid foundation to advocate for their vital and vibrant library services.

In part one of Scotland's Library Advocacy Story, the CILIP Scotland team outlined the funding landscape for Scotland's public libraries, deepening understanding of how the current funding model is proving increasingly insufficient to deliver all that libraries and their communities deserve.

Taking the incredibly powerful Save Aberdeen Libraries Campaign as a case study for how community groups can be mobilised to research, advocate and champion libraries when faced with closures, we interviewed Hayden Lorimer and Laurie Anne Mackay from the campaign group. What resulted was an incredibly thorough overview of each step, including their reflections and recommendations for future campaigners. We also spoke to Mike Dailly, Principal Solicitor and Solicitor Advocate at Glasgow's Govan Law Centre. Mike has a long history of social justice work and assisted campaigners in this case to levy legal battles against Aberdeen City Council. As a library lover himself, Mike was keen to add his voice to this project and outline the legal frameworks at play, and what communities can do to support community spaces.

There was so much to uncover and hear from our three contributors that we had to split this podcast into two parts! Scotland’s Library Advocacy Story Part Two is live now!

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Thanks for tuning in! If you'd like to get in touch to be a guest, or to suggest a topic for the team to discuss, please email admin@cilips.org.uk.

Follow us on our socials too, where you can find updates, petitions and advocacy support for Scotland’s Libraries:

Instagram: @cilip_scotland

X: @CILIPScotland

Website: www.cilips.org.uk

Govan Law Centre X: @GovanLawCentre

Govan Law Centre Website: https://govanlawcentre.org/

Save Aberdeen Libraries X: @SaveAbdnLibs

Save Aberdeen Libraries Instagram: @SaveAbdnLibs

Please note opinions stated by guest contributors may not reflect the view of CILIPS or CILIP.

Music: bensound.com

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