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Chamber and committees

Midlothian Library Service Shortlisted for Library of the Year

  • Submitted by: Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 03 March 2026
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-20963

That the Parliament congratulates Midlothian Council’s Library Service on being shortlisted as a regional finalist for Library of the Year at the British Book Awards 2026; recognises the service’s outstanding work through the Every Child a Library Member (ECALM) programme, delivered with the council’s Registrars Service, which enrolled more than 400 babies as library members in 2025 at the point of birth registration; commends what it sees as this innovative approach to giving children early access to books, learning and activities while supporting families and improving life chances; notes that judges described the initiative as “a powerful investment in the readers of tomorrow”; congratulates staff on this national recognition, which follows previous honours, including the Scottish Library & Information Council Excellence Award, and wishes the service every success in the regional announcement on 12 March and the national awards ceremony in May 2026.