Hundreds of people sign petition opposing closure of Comrie Library

An ongoing campaign to save Comrie Library in Perthshire has gained significant support with over 500 signatures on a petition opposing its closure. The library is one of seven under threat in Perth and Kinross Council due to plans for a new community campus in Pitlochry, which would see the library relocated to Pitlochry High School. The other libraries facing closure include Alyth, Auchterarder, Birnam, North Inch (Perth), Scone, and Coupar Angus.

A meeting was recently held in Comrie’s White Church, organised by Comrie Community Council, where over 100 people and representatives from Culture Perth and Kinross gathered to discuss the issue. Protest efforts have been underway, with residents demonstrating outside Birnam Library in Dunkeld, and another protest planned at Scone Library. Barbara Murray from the Save Comrie Library group expressed the community’s strong opposition to the closure, emphasizing the invaluable social benefits the library provides.

Campaigners have been actively engaging with local Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and have set up both paper and online petitions, collecting 512 signatures in just one week. Culture Perth and Kinross has responded by highlighting the community’s passion for their library and reassured their commitment to exploring alternative service models like community-led initiatives, click-and-collect services, and expanded mobile library activities to mitigate financial challenges without sacrificing library access.

Meetings discussing library closures are scheduled in Auchterarder on November 6, Scone on November 12, and Alyth on November 13 to further address the community’s concerns about the potential impact of losing these valuable resources on their localities. The community remains steadfast in their efforts to save Comrie Library, underscoring the essential role libraries play beyond just providing books and services.

Insights and Summary:
The article showcases the strong community resistance against the closure of Comrie Library in Perthshire, reflecting a broader concern for the preservation of vital community resources. The residents’ proactive approach, including petitioning and engaging with local representatives, demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding access to education, information, and social interaction provided by libraries. The support and turnout at meetings and protests indicate a united front in advocating for the retention of valuable community assets despite financial challenges faced by local authorities. Efforts to explore innovative solutions to maintain library services reflect a commitment to adapt to changing circumstances while prioritising community needs.