School libraries in Falkirk district are set to benefit from a £1million fund launched by the Scottish Government.
The School Library Improvement Fund will provide additional resources over the next three years for projects focusing on reader development, digital creativity, information literacy or health and social wellbeing.
Education authorities across Scotland are invited to apply for funding on behalf of school libraries in their council area.
Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson said: “I welcome the launch of this fund, which will help our school libraries to enhance the service they provide to pupils, and that is part of the Scottish Government’s wider efforts to improve literacy skills and educational attainment.
“I encourage our school librarians to get in touch with the local education authorities to share their ideas for projects that could help to engage more pupils, to ensure that they benefit from these vital facilities in our schools.”
The fund will be administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), which is also leading the development of a new national strategy for school libraries.
Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of SLIC, said: “School libraries have a huge contribution to make to education and learning. We know from our research that a well-run, well-resourced school library with professionally qualified librarians leads to higher educational attainment and positive attitudes to learning among pupils.
“With this new fund – along with the new national strategy, which will mean all pupils across Scotland will have equal access to learning support from a school library – they will be able to cement their role in learning and education.”
Go to www.scottishlibraries.org/funding/school-library-improvement-fund/ for details on how to apply for funding.
