'˜Exciting plan' to save Glenwood library from closure

West Glenrothes Tenants’ Association and Glenrothes Area Resident’s Federation are to meet with Fife Council next week to discuss their plan for both groups to utilise the under-threat library building, which is one of 16 that was earmarked for closure as part of the council’s efforts to plug a multi-million pound budget deficit.

The Labour-led administration voted in February to delay the final decision on the library’s future until March 2017, to allow for the completion of a feasibility study on relocating the facility to Glenwood High School.

It was a decision roundly criticised by opposition SNP councillors and campaigners fighting to retain the facility.

But now the two community groups want to turn the library into a community hub and are both willing to move into the building permanently if it will bolster chances of retaining the library within the current building.

“Most importantly we want to keep the library in its current location and we have a proposal that we are sure will not only do that but also will revitalise the facility,” explained Lesley Bain, chairman of the West Glenrothes group.

“The area is crying out for a central community-based hub to be right within the people that need and will use it. It’s a plan we are very excited and confident about.”

And that feeling was echoed by Ian Robertson, chairman from the town’s Resident’s Federation.

He said: “A move into the heart of the community would be ideal for us and beneficial to residents and if that helps keep the library in place then it has to an option worth exploring. It will also be financially beneficial for all concerned, which is a bonus.”

Both groups currently receive funding support from Fife Council which the groups say, will help to offset the cost of running the library which operators Fife Cultural Trust say is around £77,500 per year. The building is also understood to be in a structurally sound condition.