Save our School Librarians! Reverse proposed cuts to Glasgow schools
Save our School Librarians! Reverse proposed cuts to Glasgow schools
The Issue
To: Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life
My daughter attends a Glasgow secondary school where the librarian position recently became vacant. Since then, students have been denied access to a safe space, resources and expertise, highlighting a growing issue across our city. The proposed removal of all school librarians from Glasgow’s 30 secondary schools threatens to make this the norm. This plan would eliminate 16 librarian roles, replacing them with assistants and a small central team. While it claims to increase library access hours, it sacrifices the expertise and support that trained librarians provide—support that is essential for literacy, learning, and student wellbeing.
Librarians are not optional. They are essential educators who foster a love of reading, support research and digital literacy, and help students thrive academically and personally. Libraries are more than book rooms—they are safe, inclusive learning hubs that inspire curiosity and growth.
Research shows that schools with librarians see better literacy and academic outcomes. Children who read for pleasure have an increased sense of wellbeing whilst reaching greater levels of attainment (Farshore Insight (formerly Egmont Insight), 2020). Removing these professionals undermines education and disproportionately harms students who rely on school libraries for access to books, technology, and support.
We urge Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council to:
- Reverse the decision to remove school librarians
- Consult meaningfully with school communities
- Protect the integrity of school library services
Our children deserve better. Let’s stand together to ensure every secondary school in Glasgow has a professionally staffed library.
Sign this petition to protect school librarians and the future of education in our city.
Farshore Insight (formerly Egmont Insight). (2020, February). Reading for Pleasure. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://s28434.p595.sites.pressdns.com/site-farshore/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2021/03/Reading-for-Pleasure-2020-Farshore.pdf
1,716
The Issue
To: Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life
My daughter attends a Glasgow secondary school where the librarian position recently became vacant. Since then, students have been denied access to a safe space, resources and expertise, highlighting a growing issue across our city. The proposed removal of all school librarians from Glasgow’s 30 secondary schools threatens to make this the norm. This plan would eliminate 16 librarian roles, replacing them with assistants and a small central team. While it claims to increase library access hours, it sacrifices the expertise and support that trained librarians provide—support that is essential for literacy, learning, and student wellbeing.
Librarians are not optional. They are essential educators who foster a love of reading, support research and digital literacy, and help students thrive academically and personally. Libraries are more than book rooms—they are safe, inclusive learning hubs that inspire curiosity and growth.
Research shows that schools with librarians see better literacy and academic outcomes. Children who read for pleasure have an increased sense of wellbeing whilst reaching greater levels of attainment (Farshore Insight (formerly Egmont Insight), 2020). Removing these professionals undermines education and disproportionately harms students who rely on school libraries for access to books, technology, and support.
We urge Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council to:
- Reverse the decision to remove school librarians
- Consult meaningfully with school communities
- Protect the integrity of school library services
Our children deserve better. Let’s stand together to ensure every secondary school in Glasgow has a professionally staffed library.
Sign this petition to protect school librarians and the future of education in our city.
Farshore Insight (formerly Egmont Insight). (2020, February). Reading for Pleasure. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://s28434.p595.sites.pressdns.com/site-farshore/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2021/03/Reading-for-Pleasure-2020-Farshore.pdf
1,716
Supporter Voices
Petition created on 25 June 2025