Fife libraries will offer a warm welcome this winter for those struggling with the cost of living crisis.
OnFife’s Warm Spaces initiative will see nine libraries across the Kingdom provide a warm area to work, study and play throughout the winter months.
In addition, free hot drinks and additional resources such as jigsaws, games and craft materials will also be available.
Warm spaces and free hot drinks
From the New Year free art activities will also be delivered in partnership with arts organisation Fife Contemporary.
Creative activities will be led by artist Katie Fowlie as part of Fife’s “Remembering Together” Covid-19 memorial project.
The libraries are the latest to join a growing list of organisations, churches, cafes and charities offering support for those struggling to heat their homes due to spiraling energy prices.
OnFife secured £34,000 from Fife Council to run warm spaces across the seven local areas of Fife from December 1 until March 2023.
The full list warm space libraries:
- Cowdenbeath
- Duloch
- Leslie
- Burntisland
- Buckhaven
- St Andrews
- Cupar
- Rosyth
- Dalgety Bay
It forms part of Fife Council’s cost of living support campaign which aims to help locals through the crisis.
Cost of living crisis
Michelle Sweeney, director of creative development says Fife’s libraries and museums will act as warm havens for people struggling this winter.
She told The Courier: “We’re working with the council and others offering space, resources and activities to provide a joined-up approach to support services.
“At branches not designated as warm spaces, our teams will still provide a warm welcome, offer warm space to sit and relax and use the normal library facilities and services.
“They will also be able to direct people to the council’s new dedicated Get Help website and community helpline if needed.”
Councillor Linda Erskine, Fife Council’s spokesperson for communities and leisure services welcomed the move.
She said: “This additional funding means they can provide not just a warm space for people to read, study or work but also a warm drink and some free activities to pass the time.
Community spirit
“It is heart-warming to see the response from our communities in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.
“So many organisations and community groups are pulling together in a range of ways to try to help everyone through.
“We have also had an overwhelming response from community groups applying for part of the £150,000 Warm Space funding, provided by Fife Council.
“It’s going to be a difficult winter for many, but it is reassuring to see that our community spirit is still very strong.”
Details of the branches and opening hours can be found here.
Conversation