Little Free Libraries Offering a Valuable Community Service

The motion

That the Parliament commends the service provided by Little Free Libraries, which are free “take a book, return a book” exchange services operating out of purpose-built depositories constructed by volunteers in over 70 countries, with locations in Edinburgh at the Stockbridge Colonies, Royal Botanic Gardens and at Exchange Place, Semple Street; understands that Little Free Libraries have been embraced by locals who borrow books for themselves and for less physically able neighbours, working together in their community to keep them stocked up, and also by tourists visiting the city; considers that Little Free Libraries plays an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books and encouraging a love of reading, often in areas where books are scarce; considers that the emergence of these services comes at a time when the number of traditional public libraries are dramatically declining across the city and the country as a whole; believes that Little Free Libraries demonstrate a demand for library services and an innovative, community-led approach to meeting some of this demand; supports the efforts of campaigners, such as Save Scotland’s School Libraries, as they push for a national strategy for school libraries to ensure current and future generations are not deprived of access to such an essential public service, and encourages those who are able to do so, to visit their nearest Little Free Library with a selection of their own favourite books to exchange.

No recorded vote on this motion. Most motions are never debated, and many that are debated are agreed without a division. Vote records are published from 2011.

SNP 8 Con 4 Green 2 LD 1

Party shown is each supporter’s party when the motion was published.

No contribution in the Official Report cites S5M-04812 by reference.