A new fund to help re-open Libraries across Scotland has been revealed by the Scottish Government.

The Public Libraries Covid Recovery Fund is to allow libraries to “re-connect with their communities as part of Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic” the Government said.

It is worth £1.2m and councils will be asked to apply for a share of the cash.

However, in Glasgow councillors said it would take £1.2m to open the five that are closed in the city alone.

The council’s deputy leader, and Chair of Glasgow Life which operates the city’s libraries said it would be seeking as much money from the pot as possible.

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David McDonald, said: “It is my intention that we make as strong as possible a pitch to get as much of that money as we possibly can. I would certainly welcome the cross party support of all colleagues in doing that.

“We will be looking to make the strongest possible case and I would certainly hope that we would be able to include venues and library campaigns across the city in that approach, in making a clear, strong and compelling case of why Glasgow’s libraries are so important.”

Jon Molyneux, Green councillor said the fund “seems to be on the small side to say the least, if it’s to be shared across the country”.

He added: “We know it will cost £1.2m to reopen the final five libraries in Glasgow, and £400,000 for my local library, the Couper Institute.”

Five Glasgow libraries remain closed: Whiteinch, Maryhill, Barmulloch, GoMA and the Couper Institute, with no re-opening date for any of them.

They are the subject of community campaigns to save the libraries from permanent closure.

Councillor McDonald said there was “regular and ongoing contact with the government at every level” over funding to re-open libraries and venues. .

He said last met with ministers on June 14, and Glasgow Life officers met with Scottish Government civil servants on September 3 about “these related matters”.

The Scottish Government said priority will be given to applications which support deprived areas and communities.

Jenny Gilruth, Culture Minister, said: “We hope that through this new fund the power of libraries to inform, educate, entertain and inspire can be unlocked again as part of the recovery from the COVID pandemic.

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“We are aware that while many have returned, Scotland’s library services are currently operating below their pre-pandemic levels.

“The reasons for these closures are varied, complex and sometimes challenging, however we want to see as many libraries re-open as possible, and this fund will help the public library sector bounce back from a challenging time.”

The fund will be distributed through the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

The Scottish Government said it would be used to support libraries in re-opening or extending their opening hours, as well as fund targeted plans for issues such as digital exclusion or mental health and wellbeing.

Ian Ruthven, Scottish Library and Information Council chair said: “The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted the vital role public libraries play in communities across Scotland.

“Libraries are at the centre of the collective endeavour to improve literacy, close the attainment gap, promote health, champion wellbeing, pioneer sustainability, reduce inequality, and close the digital divide.

“SLIC is pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to administer the Public Library Covid Relief Fund which will support the public library sector to extend access to these vital services, and prioritise wellbeing as communities continue to rebuild and recover.”