NORTH Glasgow communities are being “forgotten about” in reopening plans for the city’s libraries, it has been claimed.
Both Milton and Springburn libraries are scheduled to open months after the hubs in wealthier parts of the city.
While most will welcome people back on April 27, the two north Glasgow facilities will remain closed until June 14, in what was described as a “slap in the face” for residents.
Springburn/Robroyston councillor Martin McElroy said: “Springburn has one of the lowest car ownership rates and highest digital exclusion rates in the city, underlining just how vital our library is for local people.
“I am urging Glasgow Life to look again at when it can reopen, and make our local library a priority.”
Much of both Milton and Springburn falls under the 5% most deprived areas of Scotland and Canal councillor Robert Mooney said he had “massive concerns” about the plans.
Keiran O’Neill, the Labour candidate for Maryhill and Springburn, called libraries “crucial community spaces” and said: “It’s unacceptable that places like Springburn and Milton are continuing to be forgotten about.”
Other than libraries currently undergoing, or due to see renovation works, all libraries in the city will reopen this month, except for Pollok (June 14), Baillieston, Pollokshields and Langside, which are due to reopen at the end of August. The nearest library, Possilpark reopened last month for computer access and will reopen fully on April 27.
Glasgow Life manages the city’s libraries on behalf of the council and has faced enormous pressures on its budget in the past year because of the pandemic.
We reported previously how the organisation secured a £100m financial guarantee from the council which allowed it to reopen more venues than was previously planned.
A spokeswoman for Glasgow Life said: "Both Springburn and Milton Libraries, as with all venues reopening, need to be modified to ensure they comply with Covid-19 regulations, including introducing one-way systems and installing hand-sanitising stations and screens.
"As it has been throughout the pandemic, the safety of our staff and customers remains at the heart of everything we do.
"Other services in the area such as Glasgow Club Milton and Glasgow Club Springburn, including the swimming pool, reopen on Monday, April 26 and Littlehill Golf Course reopens this Friday.”
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