Glasgow, in common with much of the rest of the world, is getting used to a radical new way of living. Like many other charities, the work Glasgow Life does every day, in every part of the city is changing too. We have had to close our venues in all but the most exceptional cases where people need urgent assistance.

What Glasgow Life does brings extra meaning to the lives of people who live in or visit the city. Our museums, libraries, sports facilities, events and community centres across Glasgow recorded around 19 million visits last year.

Glasgow Life’s programmes and activities help transform lives.

Learning programmes in libraries; pathways to health and fitness through sport; assistance claiming benefits that are a lifeline for those most in need: these are just some of the services that offer direct help to people within our communities.

So we can continue to give help, Glasgow Life is changing how we do this.

Behind the scenes, we are working hard to create online versions of the activities and programmes 75 percent of Glaswegians enjoy and rely on. Already, the Glasgow Club app has been downloaded over 1000 times since Monday and users have completed over 34,000 online fitness sessions.

Thousands are making use of the extensive library services available online to help cope with social distancing and nearly 500 new members have joined. Almost 2000 eBooks have been downloaded to read, more than 1000 audiobooks are being listened to, and 2400 free magazines have been accessed.

There is much more to come. You will soon be able to access more of Glasgow libraries, museums, sport, arts and music activities and programmes for people to participate in and enjoy.

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “We are working very hard to meet the challenges of this crisis head-on delivering crucial services on behalf of everyone in the city. We can’t forget the services people use to bring meaning and pleasure into their lives. Glasgow Life services were accessed 19 million times last year and used by 75 percent of people who live in the city. Glasgow Life is not only helping deliver services where they are most needed, it is also working to ensure people remain connected to the places, collections and experiences they love.”

You can stay active with Glasgow Club by using online fitness programmes at any time.

Glasgow Libraries provides 24 hour access to thousands of eBooks as well as audiobooks to listen to and magazines to read. There are also millions of songs available for free online.

Among the activities due to arrive next week will be an on-line art class every Friday for families, live online fitness classes, the chance to ask some of our archivists about the city records as well as regular opportunities to explore some favourite performances and exhibitions of the past.

Bob Peck, Membership and Infrastructure Manager for Glasgow Club said: “I’m delighted so many people are making use of this opportunity and encourage everyone to download the Glasgow Club app and get involved. There’s a fantastic range of workouts on offer to suit different fitness levels.  We’ll be building on this offer in the coming days and weeks with live sessions and we look forward to working out at home with the people of Glasgow.”

Clare Gray, Learning & Access Curator, Glasgow Museums said: “While visitors can’t go to museums we still want to bring a little bit of Glasgow Museums to them. Every day at 2pm we’ll post on Glasgow Museums Facebook and Twitter, sharing parts of the collections for all the family to enjoy at home. We’re looking to bring some interactive family fun to Friday afternoons and from next week we’ll invite followers to join in a crafty online art activity. We hope as many people as possible join us on our social channels.”

Samantha Moore from Glasgow Libraries said: “We’re delighted so many more people are using our digital eReading offer. It is a great example of how we can help everyone cope during this time of social distancing by providing access to over 12,000 eBooks and audiobooks, 100 popular magazines and 15 million songs all for free!  Existing library members simply use their current library card and we’ve made changes to make it even easier to get a library card and access these fantastic offers.”

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Issued by: Gordon Boag, Glasgow Life | 0141 287 6418/07825 904 240 | [email protected]