Pittenweem group forges ahead with community library plans

Pittenweem Library Group, is now working hard to raise funds and gather support for the service which will open next spring.

The group recently organised a fundraising coffee morning, in the James Street Church Hall, to offer people the opportunity to donate to the cause and to find out more about its plans for the service in the village.

As well as plenty of teas, coffees, cakes and scones, there was lots of chatter and good will, which resulted in £473 being raised.

Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, was also there, to offer his support to the group and its cause.

“The coffee morning was a huge success with a packed hall full of lively supporters of the library. It’ll take a lot of fundraising to fund the operations of the library but this event will make a big contribution towards the future of this valued local facility. It’s great to see Pittenweem with such fighting spirit,” he said.

Stephen Gethins MP also sent a supportive message from Westminster.

As part of the business plan submitted to Fife Council, the group made clear that in its new community library form, book-lending will be only part of what is offered to locals.

As part of its consultation with residents earlier this year, the group sent out a questionnaire asking for suggestions for what might be provided by a community-run library.

Due to a very positive response, members hope to provide several other services, including computer lessons, creative writing classes, hire of DVDs, wifi access, tourist information, ‘For Sale’ notices, children’s reading groups, and much more.

A group spokesman said: “All of this is going to take time and funds as well as volunteers to help run it.

“The coffee morning accomplished some of this, both in terms of funding and finding helpful volunteers. Now begins the really hard work for the group of getting the new Pittenweem Community Library up and raring to go when the old library doors close and the new ones open in spring 2017.”