Equality, diversity & inclusivity

We support equality in a number of ways across our programming. Working with production companies we offer shows specifically aimed at those living with dementia, people with profound learning disabilities and tiny tots with their carers. Our film programme offers morning captioned showings; panto has relaxed performances and a VIP performance for local charities, while our libraries have Bookbug in British Sign Language, Gaelic and Scots. Equality is promoted through our ticket price concessions and our Carers Go Free policy on all shows.

Carers Go Free to all shows, Kelty Clippie

International Womens' Day

Dementia-friendly screening of Grease

Bookbug on the Bus

Fife Pride

Four Go Wild in Wellies

Fife Pride

We were indeed very proud to be part of Fife Pride. Historically, Pride was something that had only happened in large cities until 2017 when Kirkcaldy bucked that trend and transformed the town into a sea of rainbow colours. During 2018, we again supported the Fife Pride event to raise awareness and support for the LGBT community. Former Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus was one of the first acts on stage as the festival got into full swing.

Our Adam Smith Theatre hosted the lively Youth Zone for the day with live music, balloons, face painting, henna tattoos, drag queens and crafts. Over at Kirkcaldy Galleries Glasgow drag queen Rujazzle, dazzled with her Drag Queen Storytime.

Accessible panto performances

Accessible performances of the panto are a priority with specific British Sign Language performances and relaxed performances for those with autism or dementia. We also have a VIP performance which supports local charities such as The Cottage and Fife Young Carers. A total of 190 children, young people and their families and carers attend a fun-filled evening with snacks and refreshments, a goodie bag and ice cream and a visit from Santa himself.

Libraries Home Delivery Service

The Libraries Home Delivery service ensures that everyone has the opportunity to access our library service regardless of their mobility. During 2018/19, we delivered books to 33 nursing/sheltered homes and 217 individuals in their homes. The service had a total of 32,947 issues.

Women of Fife

We marked International Women’s Day in March 2019 by celebrating the contribution of many amazing Fife women – including politician and founder of the Open University Jennie Lee, from Lochgelly, and the ground-breaking scientist from Burntisland, Mary Somerville, after whom Somerville College, Oxford is named. The celebratory events at Rothes Halls were compered by the couthie Jacqueline Hannan of Kelty Clippie fame.

British Sign Language, Gaelic and Scots Bookbug

Bookbug sessions use singing, rhyme and storytelling to help language development. In 2018/19 we ran British Sign Language, Gaelic and Scots sessions. We also developed Bookbug on the Bus, or rather, the Mobile Library.

Share the Vision

Fife libraries continued to support visually impaired readers in 2018/19, highlighting the range of large print, spoken word and e-resources available. We also played an active part in Share the Vision, a UK organisation which brings the public and voluntary sectors together to support the Six Steps promise within libraries, ensuring our visually impaired readers have access to appropriate stock and staff knowledge.