Frequently Asked Questions

about the reopening of Glasgow's community libraries

This information is regularly updated so please keep checking in

Please check here for more information on The Mitchell Library.

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Which libraries are open?

Anniesland

Ballieston

Barmulloch

Bridgeton

Cardonald

Castlemilk

Couper Institute

Dennistoun

Drumchapel

Govanhill

Gorbals

Hillhead

Ibrox

Knightswood

Langside

Library at the Bridge (Easterhouse)

Library at GoMA

Maryhill

Milton

Mitchell

Parkhead

Partick

Pollok

Pollokshaws

Pollokshields

Possilpark

Riddrie

Royston

Shettleston

Springburn

Whiteinch

Woodside

Elder Park Library is currently undergoing refurbishment and is due to open in Summer 2023.

Updated on:
July 8, 2022

Will I need to wear a mask/face covering?

In line with Scottish Government guidance, we advise customers to continue wearing face coverings within our facilities, however this is no longer mandatory from Monday 18 April.

Updated on:
April 14, 2022

Do I need to book to use a PC?

Due to anticipated demand, we recommend that customers continue to book ahead to use public PCs. This can be arranged by phone or by visiting the venue directly. Bookings can also be made on the day, subject to availability.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

I need someone to come with me to help me when I am using the PC I am booked for, is this okay?

Yes, a maximum of two people can use a PC at the same time.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

How long can I book a PC for?

Access will be limited to one hour per customer. On occasions where there are no subsequent bookings it may be possible to extend your booking time, however this cannot be guaranteed. Please speak to a member of staff as far in advance as possible should you think you need additional time beyond your booked slot.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

I’m not currently a library member, can I still use a PC?

Yes. Staff will issue you with a temporary membership in order for you to make your booking, and you will be issued with your membership card when you arrive for your PC slot.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Will I be able to print or photocopy?

Yes, you can use these services too. Staff will be able to help you with a limited number of printing or photocopying where possible. Your local branch can provide information on prices.

 

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Will the library toilets be available?

Yes. Toilets will be available for customers to use.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

I can’t return my library books. Will I be fined?

Fines for late book returns are being abolished to ensure Glasgow’s libraries continue to be accessible to all. We have removed charges for overdue books and cleared outstanding fines for items yet to be returned across all of Glasgow’s 33 public libraries, including The Mitchell Library.

Updated on:
July 6, 2022

I have my own device can I access Wi-Fi in the libraries that are open?

Yes.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Will Bookbug take place?

Bookbug is back at selected libraries, find a session here.

We are now able to welcome all under 5s to our sessions.  

We are encouraging the wearing of masks within our venues, however these  can be removed by adults during the session when directly interacting with young children under 5. We will also continue to provide distancing between adults, not of the same household, undertaking the activity.

Currently, we are experiencing high demand for this programme, and whilst advance booking is not required, we do have an upper limit of families in our venues and attendance continues to be on a first come basis. Managing the numbers in this way ensures that Bookbug continues to be an effective and enjoyable experience for all.

Remember we have weekly Bookbug sessions online every Wednesday at 10am for you to join in at home. Further details are available here.

Updated on:
April 14, 2022

Will there be access to Macmillan at Glasgow Libraries?

Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries provide free emotional, practical and financial support to any one affected by cancer. We have relaunched in-person support across the city to complement the telephone support currently being provided. Cancer support and information is now being provided in 4 libraries for people living with or beyond cancer, family, friends or carers, and people who are bereaved.

We’re hosting drop ins offering support, information and the space to talk confidentially. Anyone who is affected by cancer is welcome along to either an appointment or drop in at the Mitchell, Dennistoun, Royston and Castlemilk libraries. More info here.

In line with Scottish Government guidelines and existing procedures in place across all Glasgow Libraries, spaces have been rearranged to allow for social distancing. Hand sanitiser and face coverings are being utilised to ensure a safe environment.

You can find free, expert and easy to understand information on cancer in all reopened Glasgow Libraries. A wide range of topics is covered for people with cancer, their loved ones and carers. Find out more about Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries and get in touch on 0141 287 2903, macmillan@glasgowlife.org.uk or www.glasgowlife.org.uk/macmillan

Updated on:
January 13, 2022

Will Universal Credit support be available?

Face to face Universal Credit support is available by appointment in selected libraries. This service is appointment based only and can be booked using the freephone number 0808 169 9901 or by speaking to a member of library staff.

For a list of our current sessions or for further information about Universal Credit support click here.

Updated on:
April 22, 2022

Will any of your co-located services be available?

The Family Finances Support Service will be available for pre-booked appointments. For further information click here visit  or contact the team on 07443 814 190 or by email.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Will newspapers and magazines be available to the public?

No – newspapers or magazines will not be available for the time being. However, we do offer eMagazines which you'll find online here

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Will study spaces be available?

Yes.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Will café and retail facilities be available in any of the reopened libraries?

The café at The Mitchell Library has reopened. The café opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am-5.30pm and Friday and Saturday 9am-4pm

There are no catering or retail (gift shop) facilities available in any of the other reopened libraries.

Updated on:
February 14, 2023

How much has Glasgow Life received from the Scottish Government Public Library Covid Recovery Fund?

Glasgow Life received £448,068 to support the reopening of five Glasgow Libraries and increase opening hours in all reopened libraries, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Glasgow Life has also been awarded a further £31,791 from the Scottish Government, administered by Scottish Library and Information Council, for two projects aimed at helping to address the impact of the pandemic.

More than £22,000 will go towards a home library service, designed to deliver books to people unable to visit their local library. And, nearly £10,000 has also been awarded to the charity to enable them to deliver an early years’ literacy project to help to reduce the attainment gap created during the pandemic

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

What does the funding from the Scottish Government Public Library Covid Recovery Fund mean?

Glasgow Life has confirmed that five more community libraries will reopen to the public in early 2022, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government, administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council.

The Scottish Government Public Library Covid Recovery Fund grant of £448,068 means every Glasgow Library now has a projected reopening date.

The funding will also enable Glasgow Life to increase opening hours to pre-Covid levels in all reopened libraries from the end of January 2022.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Didn’t you say you would need £1.26million to be able to open the remaining five libraries?

The £1.26m figure was the cost for operating the five libraries for the whole of the 2021/22 financial year, taking into account the guidance and restrictions we have been operating under.

The Scottish Government Public Library Covid Recovery Fund requires any grant awarded to be fully spent in the 2021/22 financial year. With funding applications being considered at the end of October the application could only cover the remaining part of the financial year. The £448,068 awarded covers the partial year costs for 2021/22 up to 31 March.

This amount will also support an increase of opening hours across all reopened libraries to pre-pandemic levels.

Updated on:
December 3, 2021

Where can I find more information?

We will provide regular updates through our social media channels as well as on the Glasgow Life website.

Updated on:
August 27, 2021

How can I make a donation to help support Glasgow Life?

As a charity, Glasgow Life is hugely grateful for the support it has received during the coronavirus pandemic, which has helped us to continue vital work in communities across the city during the most challenging of times. You can continue to help us by donating here.

Updated on:
July 21, 2021
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