Overview

• The Queen formally inaugurated the rebuilt Ratho Library in Newbridge, marking its revival as a community reading hub.
• She lamented the nationwide loss of more than 180 council-run libraries since 2016 and urged communities to invest in new facilities.
• The Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh City Libraries unveiled the Paper Trails project to foster local literary engagement.
• Supported by Sir Ian Rankin, Paper Trails will operate in five libraries, including Ratho, and use a mobile service to bring authors and artists into care homes.
• Edinburgh City Council confirmed its pledge to develop its 28 public libraries as vibrant community spaces under the new partnership.