Living well Locally: Putting Libraries at the Heart of Communities

Results updated 9 Oct 2025

We recieved 102 online responses from people throughout Midlothian.

91% of responders said the library helps them to feel part of their local community.

We learned the importance of libraries in the lives of children and families, the importance of libraries remaining open and staffed for public use and the importance of keeping community spaces free and open to everyone.

Based off suggestions for improvement we have:

- Increased promotion of library events and activities

- Extended the Lend & Mend provison to a further 2 locations

- Increased the hours the Post Office is availble in Newtongrange Library

For more information on the results of this survey please contact library.hq@midlothian.gov.uk

Overview

Midlothian Council wants to start a conversation to understand how our library services and buildings can best be used to serve our local communities in these challenging financial times.

We want to understand what communities like and what needs to change to make best use of these community spaces and resources that will help us stay connected and live well locally.

Why your views matter

We want to understand your ideas about how we could use our library spaces, and the different activities or resources you would like to access in your local library.

Here are some examples of what we already offer across the service:

Near Me service - private and confidential areas to have online video calls for NHS appointments
Bookbug Sessions
Craft groups
Adult and children’s activities & events

From 22 May – 5 June we are inviting community members to share ideas via an online survey or conversation cards that you can fill in at your local library. Library staff will be available to share these with you or tell you more about some of the activities that happen in other libraries.

Areas

All Areas

Audiences

Local Residents

Interests

Communities