In March 2017, Fife Council closed 16 libraries across the Kingdom, including Kinghorn’s. But there was a great appetite in the village to see the Library service continue, and the group ‘Kinghorn Library Renewed’ was set up to see this through.
We officially opened in September 2017, operating from the same building as the original Library and with some of its remaining stock, supplemented by generous donations from the public. We are housed in Kinghorn’s former Primary School, adjoining the Community Centre where you can buy a hot drink and some home baking. (You’re welcome to bring drinks into the Library if you would like to sit on our sofas and relax with a book.) Although it’s a Victorian building it is fully accessible and there is ample parking outside the building.
Since we opened we have enjoyed fantastic support from the community. Library visitor numbers continue to grow as we increase our reach and our services. We try to keep our book stock fresh with purchases often relating to events we run or author visits (we have hosted Jill Calder, Morag Hood and A.L. Kennedy since opening). We have great links with local schools and run Bookbug sessions for our youngest visitors. We’re happy to say that we also now have free IT provision which you can sign up to use.
Our programme of events has included a series of Library Lectures, workshops for kids and teens and a celebration of the shortlist for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. We’ve enjoyed an ale-and-pie poetry evening and read stories under the starlight in a tent. That’s on top of a healthy smattering of book sales, bake sales and other fundraisers. We’re proud of the way these events have allowed us to really engage with the community. Kinghorn Primary School are frequent visitors and we offer Bookbug sessions for the littlest Library users. Clubs and groups at the Library include a Scrabble club, book club and games nights. We’re open to suggestions if our users would like to start other groups or clubs. Our Library volunteers have also initiated some fantastic events – Nan and Charlie’s Hallowe’en shift is worthy of particular note!