There is still no date set for the re-opening of five libraries that have closed since the start of the pandemic.

In November, last year, the Scottish Government provided cash to re-open libraries but staffing issues arising from the latest spread of covid could lead to a further delay in re-opening.

Glasgow Life said when it received the cash pledge it would open the libraries by the end of January.

However, with three weeks left there is no specific date and it said re-opening is dependent on staff availability.

Maryhill, Whiteinch, Couper Institute and GoMA libraries are still closed and Barmulloch Library is being used as a vaccination centre.

Other Glasgow Life services including Glasgow Club gyms have had to close on certain days, or close early, as a result of staff having to isolate in recent weeks, since the spread of the omicron variant.

Glasgow Club Gym in Gorbals, and at Easterhouse and the Palace of Art in Bellahouston have had to close recently because of staffing.

Last week in the Glasgow Times we reported how the City Treasurer, Richard Bell said that the cash was available to re-open the libraries and once they are, the council intended them to remain open.

He added however, that there is a question mark over whether Glasgow Life could be able to re-open all other venues as income has been severely affected by the pandemic.

The closed libraries have been the focal point for protests and read-ins staged outside on Saturday mornings to call for the facilities to be re-opened.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life, said: “As confirmed in November 2021, five more community libraries will reopen to the public early this year, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government which is being administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council.

“It remains our intention to reopen Couper Institute Library, Library at GoMA, Maryhill Library and Whiteinch Library by the end of January.

“However, like all sectors, we are experiencing increased staff absence due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. As it has been throughout the pandemic, the health and wellbeing of our staff and the public remains our priority, and our reopening plans are contingent on staff availability and ensuring we can offer our services safely, while continuing to follow the Scottish Government’s ongoing guidance.

“Barmulloch Library is still being used as a vaccination centre and we will work to make the adaptations required to reopen the library in early February.

“We will continue to share our latest updates and further reopening details for all five libraries through our website and social media channels, and we want to thank our customers and visitors for their patience and understanding as we navigate the next few weeks.”