Community Council feedback has indicated Hillhead Library is under consideration for permanent closure (Oct 2021). Such plans have been denied as "rumour" by Glasgow Libraries and Glasgow Life (Oct 21st, 2021). ZERO RESPONSE HAS BEEN GIVEN IN TERMS OF WHEN EXISTING "REVISED" OPENING HOURS WILL CEASE AND FULL SERVICE WILL RESUME. While operating for only ONE full day per week (Monday 11-7), closed for THREE days and opened for a handful of hours on three days, Hillhead Library is currently experiencing a DEFACTO CLOSURE, a persistent reduction in operation with no plans made available to suggest this will change.

The ORIGINAL goals of this petition remain:

Please sign below to support the continuation of Hillhead Public Library (Byres, Rd) and to demonstrate that any suggestion of closure or permanent reduction in opening hours is undemocratic and unacceptable to the West End community in Glasgow.

We want: Hillhead Public Library to remain OPEN

We want: A return to full opening hours (at pre-pandemic levels)

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What is the value of a public, community library?

Libraries are more than just books...

Public libraries play a democratic role in the information society by furthering social inclusiveness and citizenship. They are one of the few remaining public spaces where people can attend, spend time, access digital and hardcopy resources without the expectation of spending money. Hillhead library has been a vibrant hub for our community since it opened in the 1960's. School children, toddlers, babies, adults and elderly utilise the space.

While resources for Glasgow City Council may be stretched and lacking, we refuse to allow the closure or reduction in service from our popular, local library. Libraries offer books, but so much more. They are a free, public resource and must remain so.