Aberdeen City Libraries is among thirteen services in Scotland to receive funding from the 2024/25 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF).
Administered by the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, funding is awarded to innovative projects aimed at supporting long-term positive impact in communities.
The Aberdeen City Libraries project, Innovation Station, will see the development of an exciting technology hub within Central Library by providing opportunities for communities to access emerging technologies.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Convener and culture spokesman, said: "This new teaching facility is an excellent initiative that will give many people in the city the chance to develop their skills in technology, coding, numeracy and related subjects. These areas of learning need to be more accessible to all ages.
“This project will enable individuals to explore these specialisations so they can enhance their expertise and employability. The hands on involvement of young people in creating and delivering Innovation Station is a huge benefit. Their contribution adds so much value and strength to the project. Listening to the youth voice helps with our aim of meeting the needs of younger generations."
The Innovation Station will promote the development of coding and robotic skills through STEM activities/programmes, improving opportunities for communities for employment within growth STEM industries as set out in the Local Outcome Improvement Plan.
This project aims to be youth-led, with young people involved in the planning, development and delivery of the project alongside Library Teams. Young people will become advocates of and for the project across the city’s libraries.
For opportunities on how to get involved in the project follow Aberdeen City Libraries online at Libraries and Archives | Aberdeen City Council
For more information on the funding visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/scottish-libraries-granted-200000-to-support-provision-of-community-benefit-projects/