Crime writer Val McDermid isn’t just telling stories—she’s making a case. And it’s one that’s hard to argue against. Scotland’s libraries are closing at an alarming rate, and the evidence points to a tragic loss for communities, education, and culture. If this were a crime novel, the investigation would be underway. But in reality, the suspect isn’t just one villain—it’s systemic neglect, funding shortages, and perhaps, a lack of public urgency.
The Lifeline of Literature: More Than Just Books
Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books. They are community hubs, places of learning, and sometimes, the only access point to knowledge for those who can’t afford to buy books. McDermid, speaking at Kirkcaldy Galleries library, knows this better than most.
- “My parents couldn’t afford books but they understood they were the passport to better life chances than they’d had,” McDermid said.
- She credits her local library for shaping her career, emphasizing that it’s not just writers who benefit but engineers, lawyers, builders, artists, and countless others.
- Libraries, as she beautifully put it, “open windows that let us all fly.”
These spaces provide a quiet refuge for students, a launchpad for young minds, and a sanctuary for those seeking knowledge. Yet, they’re being erased from the map with each passing year.
The Disappearance of Libraries: Who’s to Blame?
Public funding cuts have been cited as the primary reason behind Scotland’s shrinking library network. Local councils, already struggling with stretched budgets, often see library services as an easy sacrifice when balancing the books.
But the blame isn’t solely on government officials. McDermid’s argument carries weight—perhaps the responsibility lies with the public too. Voters elect politicians, and if library funding isn’t a priority in elections, then closures become inevitable.
One stark reality remains: the electorate holds power. Apathy towards libraries today might result in a generation that lacks access to free education tomorrow.
Scotland’s Shrinking Library Landscape: The Numbers Speak
Library closures in Scotland have escalated over the past decade, with the pandemic only accelerating the decline. The figures tell a grim tale:
| Year | Libraries Closed | Libraries Open |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 15 | 558 |
| 2018 | 27 | 531 |
| 2021 | 42 | 489 |
| 2024 | 56 | 433 |
These numbers highlight a stark downward trend. With each closure, communities lose more than books—they lose a vital resource that many rely on for education, social engagement, and even digital access.
Love Libraries Campaign: A Glimmer of Hope?
There is, however, a fightback in progress. The Love Libraries campaign, launching tomorrow, aims to rally public support and put pressure on decision-makers. The goal? To ensure that libraries don’t just survive but thrive.
McDermid’s involvement lends weight to the movement, but real change requires action beyond words. The campaign is expected to:
- Raise awareness about the importance of libraries in Scotland.
- Push for policy changes that prioritize funding.
- Encourage communities to use their local libraries to keep them relevant and indispensable.
While it’s easy to assume the battle is lost, campaigns like this prove there’s still a chance to reverse the trend.
A Crime with an Unwritten Ending
If Scotland’s vanishing libraries were a mystery novel, the final chapter is yet to be written. The suspects—budget cuts, policy decisions, and public indifference—are all in the spotlight. The question is: Will there be a plot twist? Will Scotland’s libraries make a comeback, or are they fated to become relics of the past?
McDermid has made her case. Now, it’s up to Scotland to decide how this story ends.
