DUNFERMLINE'S Carnegie Library is set to close for at least two years as part of the £10.8million museum and art gallery project.

The historic library will shut its doors in spring next year to allow work on the project to begin, with a temporary library at the former tourist information office on the Maygate opening in its place until summer 2016.

The move will result in a reduced stock being offered to city residents but Fife Council are confident that the temporary library and other satellite libraries in Dunfermline will be able to fill the void.

Dorothy Browse, manager for libraries, museums and archives with Fife Cultural Trust, said, “We expect the Carnegie Library to close in early spring 2014 to allow building work for the new museum and art gallery to get started.

“The Maygate library will offer a great range of popular books for adults and children, although at a reduced stock level due to the space available.” The museum and art gallery project will see the Carnegie Library and adjacent former bank building come together with a new extension which will house a cafe, a children’s library plus two museum display floors and three temporary exhibition galleries.

Computers for public access will be made available in the City Chambers while the Carnegie Library is closed and the Music Institute is also being considered as an option to provide additional PCs.

Local studies, including family history services, will also continue in the city centre from the ground floor of St Margaret’s House and the local studies services available at Rosyth and Duloch libraries will also be improved.

Ms Browse added, “Similar successful arrangements were made for the Kirkcaldy Galleries project, when the library moved into a temporary High Street location and its satellite libraries provided some of the main library’s services.

"These temporary arrangements are likely to be in place until summer 2016 when Dunfermline’s exciting library, museum and art gallery will open.”