A CONSULTATION is now under way to help councillors decide what the future of Fife’s library service should look like and the future of local libraries could be under threat.

A proposal from Fife Cultural Trust, who operate most of Fife Council’s libraries, was recently discussed by the Executive Committee. The libraries in Crossgates and at the Corrie Centre, in Cardenden, have been both suggested as being under threat and people in these two communities are to be able to get their views across at events taking place this week.

A public drop-in event was held on Friday 21st August in Cardenden and a similar event was held in Crossgates last Monday to allow people to give their views.

And also this week Cardenden Community Council secretary, David Taylor, said that there were concerns over the library facility at Bowhill Centre.

The Trust proposal has been developed to respond to the significant financial pressures being faced by the Council which have resulted in a reduction in the funding available for the Trust.

The main change the Trust is proposing, in order to deliver the financial savings required by Fife Council, is to move to a new way of working for libraries.

They say this proposal would respond to the changing needs of local communities and make library services fit for the future. However, it would also mean closing 16 of Fife’s 51 libraries, reviewing library opening hours and mobile library routes, and standardising the range of services offered across the library network.

The Executive Committee asked for the communities affected by the proposed library closures to be consulted with on the potential impact that the proposals would have.

Council Leader, David Ross, is keen for people to help inform the tough decisions that the Executive Committee is facing.

He said, “We know that this service is important to people and we also know that people understand the severe budget cuts that all public services are facing. This 12-week consultation is a chance for anyone with an interest in library services to have their say.” Robin Presswood, Head of the Council’s Economy, Planning and Employability Services said, “This consultation asks people from all across Fife how these proposals might affect them and their families. The Trust and Council officers are also exploring the possibility of alternative models so that a library service could still be offered whilst still delivering the required savings.

“Before decisions are taken we want your views on these proposals. In due course the Executive Committee will be deciding whether to progress with the proposals as they are, reject them, or make changes to them.” Laurie Piper, Head of External Relations for Fife Cultural Trust added, “Library services represent the largest element of the Trust’s service provision. We invest over two thirds of the management fee we receive from Fife Council into running libraries, with all library services delivered free of charge to Fife’s communities.

“Our proposals have been developed as a result of a Trust-wide review of all the services we provide. They are based on a number of factors, including the state of the building, access to alternative libraries and also how customers have actually used the library over the last seven years.

“We are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Fife’s library service despite the financial challenges we are facing, and to create a modern, responsive library service that is accessible for customers across Fife.” You can also read more about the proposals and take part online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/libreview. You can also take part in the consultation at any of Fife’s libraries and aboard the mobile libraries and the opportunity is there to do so at Crossgates or the library at the Corrie Centre.