That the Parliament congratulates Shetland Library on winning the Library Service Excellence Award at the 2024 Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards; understands that the SLIC Awards are open to all member libraries and that entrants in 2024 had to demonstrate exceptional innovation and service delivery between June 2023 and June 2024, with winners receiving a trophy and a cash prize at the SLIC Showcase and AGM on 8 November in Edinburgh; further understands that the award recognises Shetland Library’s commitment to maintaining its library service as a relevant, worthwhile and modern resource for people of all ages and walks of life; believes that this is evidenced by exceptional service delivery and development, which has promoted the service and established the library as a place of escapism from cost of living and other pressures, with visits to the Lerwick Library increasing by 43% in 2024; praises the work of staff at Shetland Library, who have worked to establish the library as a community hub that remains open during adverse weather, to expand the Bookbug programme for young children, to strengthen ties with education staff and the Scottish Book Trust, and to work in collaboration with RNIB and Orkney Library on an annual Hi Vis fortnight that focuses on visual impairment support and staff development; believes that these initiatives exemplify the quality of the library service, which caters to all generations and has a crucial role in the community; notes that as well as the main building in Lerwick, Shetland Library has community libraries in Brae, Baltasound and Mid Yell, as well as a mobile van, and also manages seven school libraries; considers that the SLIC Award recognises the importance of Shetland Library for the island community that it serves, and wishes all at Shetland Library well.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Annabelle Ewing, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Emma Roddick, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Tess White