Pictured: Kenneth (centre) meets members of the Library Service team during his visit to Denny Library.
More often than not when a library appears on screen, we're served a very stereotypical and outdated version of the service. Invariably, it'll be housed in an old building whose cavernous and cold rooms are filled with dusty and well-read books that are protected by stern-looking librarians that hiss 'shh’ at the main characters.
In reality, libraries ripped the ‘keep quiet’ signs off the walls years ago. Today, they are warm and welcoming places where communities come together to not only read books but also meet, talk and undertake activities together.
And that's why our Chief Executive, Kenneth Lawrie, recently visited Denny Library - to congratulate the library team for the work they are doing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of local people across the Falkirk Council area.
A modern service
When you walk into Denny Library the first thing that strikes you is how bright and modern the facility is.
Large white walls are adorned with inspirational quotes reminding you of the joy of reading. New releases, best sellers and old favourites sit side-by-side on bookcases adorned with LEGO structures created by young visitors.Tall windows allow natural light to flood into the building and colours dance on the floor whenever the sun streams through the glass.
People can be heard chattering to each other as they sit in comfy chairs. A child's voice carries through the air, he's on the lookout for books about fire engines. You could while away the hours quite happily here, just as you could in all eight local libraries.
But it's not just the fixtures and fittings that create the relaxed atmosphere, it's the team that delivers the service. The passion they have for their jobs - and the joy they get out of being surrounded by books and members of the community - is clear to see.
Led by Sally Buchanan (pictured right), Library Service and Fairer Falkirk Manager, and Louise Graham (pictured left), Team Leader, Library Service, the team of 96 help deliver the service in physical buildings, online and directly in people's homes.
The power of words
Last year Words for Wellbeing was shortlisted for a Scottish Library and Information Council Project Excellence Award, which aims to celebrate and showcase staff-driven initiatives that enhance user experience.
Although the team didn't win, they are extremely proud of the project because of the profound and lasting impact it has - and continues to have - on staff and those who attend one of the eight Words for Wellbeing groups delivered in libraries every fortnight.
Pictured: The team tell Kenneth about their work and the events and groups they hold in Denny's Community room as well as the other libraries and online.
Tanya Milligan, Project Lead Librarian, said: "We secured £40k of funding to set up the Words for Wellbeing pilot, which was developed to help support members of the community struggling with their mental health, loneliness and isolation. We worked with FDAMH to provide training to staff and launched groups that offered people a supportive space to talk about books, poetry and their feelings as well as make friends.
"The project has made a huge difference and put the wellbeing of the community at the heart of the service, with the groups becoming a much-needed meeting place for socially isolated people. The biggest worry people had was that the sessions would stop once the funding ran out. They’re so relieved we are keeping them going."
Gavin Johnstone, Development Librarian, added: "I’ve been a librarian for 25 years and this is the worthiest thing that I’ve done that has a positive impact on communities – and the team. I’m really proud of it because staff and the people that attend get a lot out of it."
Kenneth said:
"It is a brilliant project that puts community need at the heart of the service, which is absolutely the right direction of travel for our libraries. If members of the groups weren't involved in the project, they might need more help from their GP or social care or simply suffer alone. You should all be very proud of the project and the positive impact it - and the library service in general - has on members of our community."
Ideas for the future
Currently, local people are being asked to fill in a consultation that will help shape the next chapter in libraries own story. With the Council needing to save c£67m over the next four years, the service must continue to modernise and build on the great work it has done to turn libraries into community hubs.
Louise Graham, Team Leader, Libraries, said: "Libraries are safe and welcoming spaces for all members of the public. Although lending books is a large part of what we do, it isn't the only thing we offer. We want to encourage people to come in and enjoy the space, use the computers and free Wi-Fi and take part in groups and activities – whatever suits their needs or interest."
And what libraries have to offer is an annual calendar of events and activities - from Words for Wellbeing to LEGO clubs for young people; family meditation to the Summer Reading Challenge and the Writing Rammy; and events that commemorate local history and issues of diversity and equality.
Naomi Kenny, Equalities and Facilities Librarian, said: "One of our most popular events last year was held during Black History Month. It focused on the area's connection to the slave trade and where the money went. We finished on a high, showing a Creole Trinidadian lady who became the Lady of Bantaskin Manor. This year we are working with local history groups to create an event commemorating the Redding Pit Disaster."
Nurturing a love of reading
Libraries also work closely with schools and parents, delivering Bookbug sessions that introduce youngsters to the joy of reading.
Debbie Scott, Senior Library Assistant at Denny Library: "Bookbug does a lot for families, bringing them together and showing them what libraries have to offer. We also run four sessions a week for schools and work with Home-Start, a charity that supports families on the breadline, to encourage parents to attend and not be scared because they aren't a member of the library, although we do encourage people to join."
Pictured: Kenneth becomes a member of our library service and can now browse the libraries catalogue, reserve and take books home as well as download them from the Libby app.
Recent research found one of the main barriers to becoming a library member were the fines for returning a book late. On the back of that research, libraries scrapped fines for late returns.
Louise said: "Libraries are often situated in areas of high social deprivation, and I've known children and young people that want to take books home but haven't been allowed because they would not be able to pay the fine if the books were returned late. Not being able to afford a fine shouldn’t stop anyone from reading or accessing other library services, so removing fines is a really positive move."
Sally Buchanan, Library Service and Fairer Falkirk Manager, added: "There is so much that libraries can do to help support people and deliver The Falkirk Plan. We are in a position to help people in need as we see what is happening on the ground and can react quickly to it."
Kenneth said:
"We need to refocus our resources to ensure we’re helping the most vulnerable, not just in terms of what we spend resources on but in terms of deprivation and circumstances. The Library Service has an immensely important role to play, and this visit has affirmed that."