Libraries are amazing, vital, and provide free services in communities that are desperately needed. They do this while being chronically underfunded and always on the brink of being shut down. Which is why they need our support. So here is a list of ways you can help right now.
- Sign up as a member!
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This shows the library is connected to and being used by the community. If you live, work, or study in the area you can sign up to become a member of the Aberdeen City Libraries. There is an easy way to sign up online with the link here: https://aberdeencity.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/JOIN
- Use their services
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Aberdeen has a large variety of different services on offer. Some of my favourites include their online free catalogue of e-books and audiobooks available on the apps Borrowbox, eComics, and RBdigital, access to the series of Oxford Very Short Introductions Database, and access to newspapers through PressReader.
Here is a link to explore the other services offered: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives
- Engage with their social media
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Like and engage with the library’s Facebook page and Twitter page. Every month the library is running an online digital book club on Facebook based on a book available freely on the Borrowbox app.
- Listen to librarians
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Hearing from those who work in the community and carry out its services is one of the best ways to gain information on how you can help and why help is needed. One Scottish librarian who speaks about her experience under a pseudonym is Allie Morgan on Twitter, who was popularised after a thread about libraries went viral. Also coming soon is her book, The Librarian: A Memoir, which can be pre-ordered. Voices of Scottish Librarians by Ian MacDougall explores libraries through interviews with fourteen librarians.
- Support libraries in local politics
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Be aware of what is happening in your local and country authorities in relation to community resources and funding towards libraries. Be up to date, if you can, about whether libraries are up to lose or gain funding. Also look beyond what is immediately local and support other libraries in every way you can, even if it’s just engaging with them on social media. Somewhere to learn more about libraries in Scotland is the Scottish Library & Information Council. Here is their twitter account to see the latest information: https://twitter.com/SLIC1991.