PUPILS across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire can benefit from a funding programme aimed at improving school library services.

The second round of bidding for the Scottish Library Improvement Fund has been launched and education authorities have a chance to get their hands on a share of this year’s allocation of £450,000.

The fund was launched last September and offers a total fund of £1million over three years to support school library projects.

Deputy First Minister and education secretary John Swinney said: “Our £1million School Library Improvement Fund recognises the vital role school libraries play in supporting literacy and improving attainment.”

“It aims to encourage innovation within the school library sector and, last year, funded 15 fantastic projects across Scotland including a pioneering scheme in the Highlands to encourage teenage sensory reading and a mental health and wellbeing initiative in Clackmannanshire.

“I would encourage all schools to consider applying for the fund and use the investment to make their school library an exciting and inspiring place to learn.”

The fund is administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council and supports projects which meet key priority areas including the curriculum, health and wellbeing, family learning and digital literacy.

In particular, school libraries are encouraged to submit projects which support the Year of Young People 2018.

More information on the fund and how to apply is available at www.scottishlibraries.org/funding.