Not the end of library story, Fife campaigners say

Residents in the district are looking at forming ‘alternative delivery models’ after the most recent chapter in the tale was written at Fife Council’s latest full meeting.

Councillors voted to shut 16 libraries across the Kingdom – but some could remain open for up to a year while the suggestions from the community are considered.

Lundin Links library had faced the axe at the end of this month but villagers have expressed a fresh surge of interest, while Colinsburgh, Crail, East Wemyss and Pittenweem also have a reprieve.

Heather Paterson, of Lundin Links, said: “We have submitted an application to Fife Council confirming our wish to establish Largo Community Library in Lundin Links, which will be run by volunteers.

“It is our hope that the library can remain in the existing library building at Lundin Square which is by far the best suited premises for the community. We’ve been delighted that, in the past week, over15 local people have registered an interest in volunteering to help in the setting up or the eventual running of it.”

A Pittenweem action group spokesman said: “Later this month, we are meeting with a representative of Fife Council to explore our options and also find out how the council plans to assist us in forming and running a Community Library.

“We are planning a major community consultation to find out what current readers would like to see happening within Pittenweem Library.”

In Crail, heavy criticism over a lack of information about alternatives was made in a recent newsletter by a Community Council sub-group, which had numerous concerns over how a new model could be managed. “Once we have obtained some clarity, a public meeting will be held in an attempt to gauge local opinion of how, or even if, we should proceed,” it said.

In Colinsburgh, Peter Marshall said interest had been displayed in running the library and there was to be a meeting in the village soon.

In East Wemyss, Councillor John O’Brien said there had been initial talk about the library but no one had come forward as yet.