Union books for South Lanark’s libraries

by Stephen Smellie

Citizens of South Lanarkshire will now have access to a wide range of trade union books from their local library thanks to an initiative from the South Lanarkshire Branch and its library stewards.

The branch agreed to set up a UNISON Book Collection in partnership with the local library service. This involved a sum of £250 for the purchase of books identified by the branch which will cover trade union history and current issues.

These will be housed in Hamilton Central Library and made available through the Council’s local libraries so that they are accessible to all library users.

Launching the Collection in Hamilton Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary, praised the initiative and commented on the value of public libraries and the services they provide to the community.

Following the launch the branch wrote to all the major trade unions and asked for donations of books to add to the collection.

Branch Secretary Stephen Smellie commented, “We have been overwhelmed by the response. Books have arrived from the NUM, NUJ, GMB, Unite, POA, Ucatt, NAS/UWT and the PFA.

“We now have a great collection of trade union books available for members and the public to borrow.”

As the cuts impact across Councils the library services have had their budgets for buying books cut. This has meant that books of an interest to the trade union movement are less likely to be purchased. This project means that in South Lanarkshire there will be a significant collection of trade union books.

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