Girvan Library Shortlisted at Prestigious Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards

South Ayrshire Council Libraries service has been shortlisted at the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards for its Lend and Mend Hub initiative.

The SLIC Awards shine a light on library teams and projects which help to transform communities across the country by providing opportunities to increase community impact, learning and inclusion. Girvan Library has been recognised as one of eight library services in Scotland shortlisted in this year's awards, with the initiative earning a place within the 'Project Excellence 2025' category.

Working in partnership with the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), Girvan Library is the first library facility in Scotland to offer further free services for community use, such as household and gardening tools.

The aim of the Lend and Mend initiative is to help local communities work towards a circular economy by encouraging sustainable practices. By enabling individuals to repair, reuse, rent and upcycle everyday items, reliance on single-use and disposable items will decrease, reducing waste and saving money.

Girvan Library's Hub will offer sewing machines, wallpaper strippers, power washers and more to support local communities with home maintenance and DIY projects. By providing these facilities free of charge, it also builds empowerment, supports wellbeing and strengthens community resilience.

South Ayrshire Council's Assistant Director for Communities, George Hunter, said: "The Lend and Mend Hub originally began to provide a space for the local community to repair clothes. I'm delighted that Girvan Library has been shortlisted for this prestigious award after becoming the first public library in Scotland to extend the services on offer, paving the way for increased sustainability.

"Communities are at the heart of our local areas and by supporting residents to work together, sharing tools, knowledge and skills, the initiative should help to provide a sense of real community spirit."

SLIC chair, Alan Clarke, who is leading the judging panel, said: "The SLIC Awards celebrate the remarkable work of library teams and projects across Scotland, recognising the difference they make in enriching learning, wellbeing and community connection.

"This year's shortlist highlights services that continue to evolve, delivering inclusive, imaginative and highly impactful initiatives that respond directly to the needs of the people they serve. It's inspiring to see excellence in action through outstanding service, collaborative teamwork and innovative project delivery that truly makes a lasting difference.

"Congratulations to the eight services shortlisted for the 2025 SLIC Awards. We look forward to inviting the nominees to celebrate their achievements with us when we announce the award winners at our Showcase and AGM next month."

The Awards will take place on Friday 31 October. More information on the Lend and Mend Hub initiative can be found at: https://scottishlibraries.org/lend-and-mend-executive-summary/