Fast Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy Refresh 2026 responds directly to today’s challenges: a national reading crisis where one in 10 children grow up without a book at home, digital exclusion affecting 15% of adults, widespread misinformation which continues to spread unchecked, and loneliness, with 58% of over-50s reporting isolation.
In this context, the role of public libraries is indispensable. Building on the original Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025, this refresh retains the enduring themes of People, Place and Partnership while introducing six focused aims:
- Championing literacy and lifelong learning
- Empowering citizens to navigate information and democracy
- Engaging communities through co-design
- Promoting wellbeing and tackling isolation
- Strengthening advocacy and investment
- Demonstrating impact through robust evidence
By aligning national ambition with local action, Fast Forward sets out a clear, realistic and positive path, ensuring libraries remain essential social infrastructure that strengthens communities and contributes directly to Scotland’s wider national outcomes in health, education, equity and cohesion.
Since the publication of Forward in 2021 public libraries have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation, evolving into vital platforms for literacy, wellbeing, and community cohesion. As the social economic, and digital landscape has shifted, so too has the role of libraries. This refreshed strategy builds on the solid foundation laid by the original Forward vision, reaffirming the commitment to empowering individuals and communities through equitable access to knowledge, creativity, and opportunity. Central to this is a recognition that literacy in all its forms—reading, information, digital, civic, and health—is a fundamental right and a critical tool in navigating today’s complex world. Scotland’s public libraries, as safe, trusted, and inclusive spaces, are uniquely positioned to support this ambition.
People
Forward articulated its vision that people are key to the transformative power of libraries. Since 2021, the strategy has focused on strengthening relationships, skills, and connections. The combination of local and national actions has provided engaging and imaginative opportunities for both library audiences and the staff at the heart of service delivery.
Place
Scotland’s public libraries continue to provide safe spaces which bring people together. Forward has encouraged library communities to create diverse spaces, to celebrate their unique place in society, and to find joy in the cultural richness they deliver.
Partnership
Forward has had a transformational impact on the importance of evidence based service planning and delivery. Robust data has become the cornerstone of developing new partnerships, advocating for the power of public libraries, and showing how important they are for supporting all citizens to lead a more sustainable life.
Fast Forward: Scotland's Public Library Refresh
Download the Fast Forward document and learn more about the refreshed strategy. It retains the enduring themes of People, Place and Partnership.
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
