New chapter set to begin for libraries

ALTERNATIVE delivery models for three closure-threatened Fife libraries have been given t he green light by councillors.

Members of the region’s executive committee have approved Falkland Village Hall Trust’s plan for a community takeover of the library in the village.

Meanwhile, a joint business plan from Glenrothes Area Residents Association (GARF) and West Glenrothes Tenants and Residents Association for a community-run library in Glenwood – replacing the town’s Glenwood Library – has also been given the go-ahead.

And with Abbeyview Library in Dunfermline due to close in March, councillors also agreed to interim arrangements to accommodate a community book borrowing service in Abbeyview Local Office until a wider review of facilities is progressed.

The committee heard that two plans had been submitted to take forward library services in Falkland, with Lomond Pharmacy Limited putting forward a counter proposal that would have seen the pharmacy and library colocated in the library building.

However, the trust’s blueprint was favoured, and the council will now enter into discussions with it about lease arrangements for taking over the Falkland Library building when Fife Cultural Trust ceases a statutory service at the facility next spring.