First meeting for new Kinghorn library volunteers

The group will take over the voluntary running of the library when it closes at the end of February next year. Andrew Bentley-Steed, chairman of the group, explained that the community would need to raise around £3500 a year to cover the cost of running the facility.

Volunteer helpers plan to have books to order and for sale from the new library, with profits used to support the lending service. The idea is to encourage local people to order through the dedicated service rather than individually online. Books could then be collected at the customer’s convenience. It is also keen to include tourist information services within the library, offering something currently missing in Kinghorn.

Roger Diggins, treasurer, highlighted the main responses to the recent community survey which showed that adults, teenagers and primary school children had all requested CDs and DVDs as well as books. Study areas were also suggested, as were workshops, reading groups, help with job applications and CVs, and a relaxed area for reading magazines and newspapers.

A question and answer session followed and the chairman explained that the group’s intention is to open Tuesday to Saturday afternoons and evenings to make the library accessible for all, and asked for more volunteers and fundraising ideas as it wants to start the year with enough funds to cover the first year’s costs. Handouts with the new logo, designed by local artist, Catherine Lindow were given out. Further copies are available from Kinghorn Community Centre.