Across Falkirk, libraries are now playing a central role in civic life, providing trusted, accessible spaces where communities can engage with local decision-making, public consultations and community services.

As Falkirk Council has reviewed its property estate and community infrastructure, libraries have increasingly become the venue of choice for public meetings, consultations, councillor surgeries, community council meetings and engagement activities led by council services, the NHS, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and a range of other third-sector organisations.

Alongside this, library staff support residents to access consultations and public information, offering digital assistance, printed materials and hands-on help for those who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

Community groups are also able to use library spaces free of charge, helping to strengthen local networks and encourage wider civic involvement.

Falkirk's libraries have become increasingly important locations for members of the community (Picture: Michael Gillen)

placeholder image — Falkirk's libraries have become increasingly important locations for members of the community (Picture: Michael Gillen)

Louise Graham, team leader for library services at Falkirk Council, said: "Libraries are among the few places that bring together a genuine cross-section of the community.

“People come through our doors for many different reasons, which makes libraries uniquely valuable as places for engagement and participation. Whether it’s a public consultation, a community meeting, support with accessing services or simply finding reliable information, libraries help ensure that people can have their voices heard and stay connected to the decisions that affect their communities."

Libraries in Falkirk also play a crucial role in ensuring that essential public information reaches every part of the community. From slips, trips and falls prevention advice to flood risk communications, council services regularly work through libraries and library staff to engage residents directly.

This role has become even more important in the context of rising concern around misinformation and disinformation, with libraries increasingly positioned as trusted intermediaries for civic engagement and democratic participation.

New policies affecting local communities are routinely shared through platforms such as Participate Plus, with library staff acting as digital champions to ensure engagement materials are accessible in multiple formats, including in-person support, digital access and paper copies.

Libraries also provide neutral, trusted venues for public meetings, budget consultations, councillor surgeries and wider community engagement, reinforcing their role as essential civic infrastructure at the heart of local democracy.

And, of course, they lend out books as well.