7. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the culture secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding what support it can provide to communities to establish and operate community-owned libraries. (S6O-02290)

I regularly meet my ministerial colleagues to discuss many cross-cutting issues, including that of libraries.

The Scottish Government’s current support for libraries is through our annual funding to the Scottish Library and Information Council, which provides leadership, advocacy and advice on public library matters. More broadly, we provide support for communities to take forward meaningful cultural and creative activity through schemes such as our Culture Collective programme.

Strathblane Community Development Trust recently opened the first newly built community-owned public library facility to be opened in Scotland for many years. Services at the Thomas Graham library will be operated in partnership with Stirling Council.

Will the minister join me in congratulating

Strathblane Community Development Trust on its efforts? Does she think that that model could be replicated elsewhere?

Absolutely. The opening of the Thomas Graham community library represents an incredible achievement by the community. It is the first time in Scotland that public library services are being delivered by a community and council partnership, and it is important to mark that.

Libraries are a part of Scotland’s social fabric. They have a long-standing reputation as safe places, and they are free and open to all. That means that they are uniquely placed in communities across Scotland and are capable of promoting meaningful change. I know that the

Thomas Graham community library is a sustainable model and one that the Scottish Library and Information Council was keen to encourage. I congratulate those involved on the work that they are doing, which I hope will be replicated across the board.