Library initiative will help combat loneliness

Midlothian Council’s library service has today unveiled its latest initiative to help combat loneliness and isolation.

Library Natters

At a special launch event, Libraries Development Officer Sarah Findlay invited guests to draw up a chair and hear more about the new Library Natters corner in Dalkeith Library.

Welcoming space

Sarah said: “Libraries have always been at the heart of our communities but taking onboard feedback from a recent consultation, we wanted to create a comfortable and cosy space where local people can enjoy chats, crafting, games, events and curling up with a good book.”

Funding secured

Having secured £14,000 of funding from the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), Sarah and the Dalkeith Library staff have introduced a couch, comfortable chairs and beanbags to encourage people to stay longer. A new flat screen TV on the wall is already well-used by the local reminiscence group looking for photos and videos of times gone by, while walls are covered in photos of recent events, including crafting and games sessions.

Year of free events

Sarah said: “We have a year of free events to target loneliness and isolation. The first three have already been a big success – candle and Christmas stocking making with the Edinburgh Craft Club and one for unpaid carers run with the charity, Vocal.”

Chat and Stitch Workshop

The next Library Natters event is on Tuesday 21 January between 5pm and 7pm. Organised with the Edinburgh Craft Club, the Chat and Stitch Workshop is free and can be booked in person at the library or by calling 0131 663 2083.

More people living alone

Sarah said: “With more and more people living alone, a growing population of elderly people are finding themselves socially isolated which can impact on their physical as well as their mental health, especially at this time of year.

Christmas cheer

“This initiative aims to create a warm and welcoming environment in the run up to Christmas and beyond where local people can get out of the house to make new friends and relax.”

Social isolation

Nearly 100,000 more people in Scotland are now living in single-person households compared to a decade ago, according to the 2022 Census. The 13 per cent rise is more than double the jump seen in England and Wales.

In the picture

In the picture from left to right are: Libraries Development Officer Sarah Findlay, Customer Engagement Manager Annabel Cavaroli, British Red Cross Local Area Co-Ordinator Audrey Hawthorn, Communities Lifelong Learning and Employability (CLLE) Key Worker Aggie Fotinos, Councillor Margot Russell, Library Service Development Lead Wendy Johnston, CLLE Parental Employability Key Worker Claire Leslie, British Red Cross Local Area Co-Ordinator Chris Maguire and Marion MacInnes, the Customer Service Team Lead at Dalkeith Library.