New chapter for Kinghorn library group

A new group, set up to plan the way forward for library provision in Kinghorn, has sent out questionnaires to over 1200 local residents to ask for their views and ideas.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Mar 2016, 12:00 BST
A 'Save the Library' group formed last year, and now a new group is looking at options for the library service during the year-long reprieveA 'Save the Library' group formed last year, and now a new group is looking at options for the library service during the year-long reprieve
A 'Save the Library' group formed last year, and now a new group is looking at options for the library service during the year-long reprieve

Kinghorn Library Renewed was formed in the wake of Fife Cultural Trust plans to close the town’s library in a cost cutting exercise. Since then the service has been given a year’s reprieve until the end of March 2017, and the group is now working on drawing up firm plans to run its own library service, combined with a heritage facility, after the deadline.

It sent out the surveys last week, with a deadline of March 23, asking people what they would like to see included in the future plans.

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“The good news is that Kinghorn Library has a reprieve until 2017, and we are delighted about this, as it gives us more time to plan for the future,” said secretary, Elizabeth Whitton.

“Our new steering group, which includes members of Kinghorn Library Renewed and Kinghorn Historical Society, will meet with Linda Temple in the near future to discuss our proposal.

“In the meantime we want to hear from as many members of the Kinghorn community as possible on what they want from their library and heritage centre.”

A public meeting will take place next month to present the plans and provide a platform for discussion.

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“We’re very fortunate that Kinghorn has such an engaged and positive community and we would ask everyone to fill in a survey forms so we know what they want,” added Elizabeth.

Alan McIlravie, chairman of the Royal Burgh of Kinghorn Community Council, added: “It is great to see the community working together to continue our library service. I hope as many people as possible will take a few minutes to complete the survey so their views can be taken into account.”

Eight libraries – Markinch, Pitteuchar, Kinghorn, Falkland, Colinsburgh, Crail, Pittenweem and East Wemyss – have been granted a stay of execution while “alternative delivery models” are explored. Another five – Thornton, Bowhill, Crossgates, Freuchie and Lundin Links will close at the end of March.

Forms should be sent to: [email protected] or handed in to the community centre or Glory Hole.

Related topics:Kinghorn