Love Libraries: Val McDermid at Kirkcaldy library to launch new Scotland wide campaign

The Scotland-wide initiative focuses on the many great things librarians do for communities throughout the country - and how libraries have become vital social hubs for so many people.

Best-selling author Val McDermid was at Kirkcaldy Galleries - a place close to her heart - to help launch the campaign led by the National Library of Scotland. It forms part of its centenary programme; Library was established by an Act of Parliament in 1925. This year also marks the centenary of Kirkcaldy Galleries, and it is a place which inspired Val to a life of writing.

“It’s great to come here today and see so many children finding ways to tell stories and experience stories. Coming back to this building, I remember how much it meant to me. I would not be where I am today if this building hadn’t been on my doorstep”

The queen of crime fiction is a passionate champion of libraries, highlighting they ave evolved beyond just being a place to borrow books - a place where silence was golden. Today they are bustling meeting places for all ages, from book clubs for toddlers to pensioners visiting the cafe, and that connection is key.

“The campaign is all about getting people to use libraries and also explain to local councils their importance. Most politicians do not find their way here - they have no clue about what goes on in a library.” said Val. “It isn’t just a place to borrow books. There is a much wider implication when it comes to funding - there are hugely important social and economic aspects,

“A survey showed that for every £1 spent on the library service they got £6.95 back in benefits - from literacy to mental health to connectivity. Libraries are completely different now. They are social hubs where so many groups come to and offer activities for people who may be on low incomes - they are great places to come for free.” Books, of course, remain at the heart of every library.

“The library is a great resource,” said Val. “It opens doors to people - possibilities and aspirations. They open the world to you.

“My parents couldn’t afford books but they understood they were the passport to better life chances than they’d had. But it’s not just writers who have their doors opened to the wider world by libraries. Engineers, lawyers, builders, artists, geographers, mathematicians, musicians… the list is endless. Libraries open windows that let us all fly.

“I write because of Kirkcaldy libraries. My parents would push me along to Templehall Library where I got picture books. That bonded me with my parents, and it was then I found a character in a book who was an author who got a cheque for her work, and I realised then that writing was a job - I could make stuff up and get paid for it!”

The Love Libraries campaign runs until October, giving libraries and other organisations and supporters throughout Scotland plenty of time to get involved and drum up enthusiasm for all things libraries.