Community groups campaigning to reopen the remaining library services across Glasgow say they are not going anywhere until the issue has been resolved.

Members of the Save Whiteinch Library group, which is one of five libraries still closed to the public, say they are alarmed at a letter from Glasgow Life to Conservative councillor Robert Connelly which said an exact date to relaunch these facilities couldn’t be confirmed until the city council set its budget.

The letter followed speculation on social media that Couper, GoMA, Maryhill, Whiteinch and Barmulloch libraries could reopen this January.

Glasgow Life is now saying that if funding from the Scottish Government is successful, they will work towards opening the five venues in January but as the money is only available for this financial year – until March 2022, Glasgow City Council must decide how much money to award these libraries for the year 2022/23 in their next budget.  Robert Mellish, from the Save Whiteinch Library campaign, said: “The information has been somewhat contradictory. It seems like the problem had been solved.

“The First Minister promised £1.25 million for Scottish libraries. That money would be required for the Glasgow area alone never mind the rest of the Glasgow area. 

“That letter then popped up and we were again alarmed that Glasgow Life seemed to be saying this is not a done deal. This remains an issue and I’m sure the council would like to resolve it. 

“We are not going away and the council needs to act, reopen the library and give us certainty. We need to see action not just words.”

Glasgow Life made an application to the Scottish Government’s public libraries Covid recovery fund to re-opening and increase operating hours of its branches. It has not yet been confirmed how much money will be awarded. 

Councillor Robert Connelly said: “My main concern is that SNP politicians have been saying a January opening is to happen and that’s what we need clarity on because according to the letter these venues will not reopen until the council sets its budget, which is usually in February or March.

“If it can happen in January I am happy – the earlier the better but if we have to set a budget to spend any money that does get granted from the Scottish Government then we won’t know until after that.”

The letter also states Barmulloch library would not be able to open until the end of January 2023 at the earliest as it is being used as a vaccination centre. 

Funding would  also help to improve open times at these libraries. 

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “At last week’s full council meeting, councillor David McDonald, chairman of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, provided an update regarding an application made by Glasgow Life to the Scottish Government Public Libraries Covid Recovery Fund.  “This application was made to support the reopening of five libraries in Glasgow at the start of 2022, and increase opening hours in libraries that have already reopened.

“In the event of the application being successful for the full amount requested, Glasgow Life would work towards a reopening date of January 2022, depending on staffing and covid protection levels at that time. However, the funding from the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is only available for this financial year, i.e. up until the end of March 2022.  “Operation of Glasgow Life venues in 2022/23 will form part of Glasgow City Council’s discussions on agreeing the budget.”