Residents of Scone are rallying together to protest the potential closure of their town’s library. Concerned community members argue that with plans for 750 new homes in the area, shutting down the “vital” and purpose-built facility would be short-sighted. The Save Scone Library group has organized a demonstration scheduled to take place outside Scone Library on November 9th at 11:15 am.
During the 2024/25 budget meeting in February, Perth and Kinross councillors allocated £191,000 to Culture Perth and Kinross to seek local solutions for library services over the coming year. Unfortunately, it was later revealed that Scone Library and Birnam Library were among those under threat. Following a recent protest in Birnam, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland (CILIPS) expressed deep concerns in a letter to all Perth and Kinross councillors, emphasizing the legal obligation of local authorities to provide necessary library services for their communities.
Residents highlight that Scone Library serves as a crucial resource for the local primary school, Robert Douglas Memorial School, which lacks its own library. The facility, which opened in 1990, is not only energy-efficient and fit for purpose but also operates as a Warm Welcome space that many elderly residents rely on, especially during winter.
A spokesperson for Save Scone Library emphasised the community’s reliance on the facility, stating that it offers more than just books and is a welcoming space open to everyone at no cost. With 750 new homes planned for the expanding town, residents believe that closing the library would be short-sighted and impractical.
Culture Perth and Kinross, responsible for managing libraries in the area, acknowledged the significance of Scone Library to the community. They reassured residents of their commitment to exploring alternative models to sustain essential services, such as community-led provision and enhanced mobile library activities. Despite financial challenges, the organization pledged to maintain library services in Scone and across Perth and Kinross as much as possible.
In conclusion, the unity and determination shown by the residents of Scone in fighting for their library exemplify the importance of community spaces and resources. Their proactive approach in organising a protest highlights the power of grassroots movements in advocating for essential services. It underscores the crucial role libraries play in fostering education, community engagement, and inclusivity, especially in times of growth and change within a town.