Stars booked in for library opening

Official launch marks completion of a decade-long project

Provost of Fife Jim Leishman officially opened Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries yesterday.

The milestone event came 134 years after the world’s first Carnegie Library was opened in the town.

The Provost was joined by luminaries featured on the museum’s wall of fame, including platinum-selling singer Barbara Dickson and members of Dunfermline rock band Nazareth.

Ms Dickson said: “I’ve been coming to Carnegie Library since I was a little girl and to see the building adapted in this way, incorporating so much local history, is a delight to see. I’ll be bringing as many friends and family here as I can to show the place off. I’m extremely proud.”

Dunfermline’s modern museum and library is an extension of the original building in Abbot Street. The event gave those involved in the project the chance to formally mark its completion.

Mr Leishman said: “I’m extremely honoured to be here today to officially open this remarkable cultural facility and add another significant date in its proud history as the world’s first Carnegie library.

“Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries really does win the hearts of all who visit and today’s event has been a celebration and thank you to the many organisations and hundreds of people who shared this vision and helped make it a reality.”

The official launch was the culmination of a decade of work which was made possible by funding from Fife Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.

Carnegie Dunfermline Trust chairman David Walker said: “Andrew Carnegie would have been extremely pleased with the outcome of this project which has added to and enhanced his first endowed library.”

Also welcoming guests was architect Richard Murphy, who has already won several awards for the facility.

Picture: George McLuskie. Choralist Carlo Madden pictured in the library gardens as the celebrations got under way.

Pictures: George McLuskie. Top, from left: Provost Jim Leishman, Barbara Dickson, Don McCafferty, of Nazareth, Councillor Helen Law and Pete Agnew, Nazareth. Above: the abbey choir performs.