Books have a unique way of bringing people together, bridging generations, and opening doors to new worlds. This sentiment was palpable recently in Edinburgh, where royalty met community spirit in a celebration of literature. During the annual Holyrood Week, a significant event took place that underscored the vital role of public institutions in our society. The Queen Camilla Scotland library visit to the newly rebuilt Ratho Library was more than just a ceremonial ribbon-cutting; it was a powerful statement on the importance of literacy and community connection.
For the residents of Ratho and the wider Edinburgh community, Tuesday, July 1st, marked a special occasion. It wasn’t just about the brick and mortar of a new building, but the acknowledgment of what that building represents. As Her Majesty stepped out to greet the crowds, the Queen Camilla Scotland library engagement became a focal point for discussions about the future of reading, the preservation of community spaces, and the innovative ways we can keep literature accessible to everyone.
A Royal Welcome During Holyrood Week
Holyrood Week, or “Royal Week” as it is often known in Scotland, is a time steeped in tradition, where the monarch travels north to celebrate Scottish culture, achievement, and community. While King Charles had his own schedule of events, Queen Camilla took the opportunity to pursue her lifelong passion: promoting literacy.
Her arrival at Ratho Library was met with enthusiasm. The library, which had been closed for redevelopment, stands as a testament to the resilience of local services. During the construction phase, residents had relied on a mobile library, making the opening of this permanent, modern facility a moment of genuine relief and joy.
The Queen Camilla Scotland library visit highlighted how essential these spaces remain. In an era where digital media often dominates, the physical presence of a library offers a sanctuary for thought, education, and social interaction. By choosing to visit Ratho, Her Majesty shone a spotlight on the efforts of the City of Edinburgh Council to maintain and modernize its network of 28 public libraries—a commitment that stands in stark contrast to the trend of library closures seen elsewhere in the UK.
The Atmosphere at Ratho
The mood was celebratory and intimate. Her Majesty was guided on a tour by Deputy Lieutenant Sir Ian Rankin, the celebrated crime writer known for his Rebus novels, and Jenny Niven, the Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Sir Ian Rankin’s presence was particularly fitting. As a stalwart of Scottish literature, his support for the Queen Camilla Scotland library engagement underscored the connection between world-famous authors and the grassroots facilities that nurture readers. The Queen, known for her love of a good thriller, shared a lighthearted moment with Rankin, joking about how well his crime novels likely go down with local readers.
Championing Literacy and Community
At the heart of the Queen Camilla Scotland library visit was a clear message: libraries are the lifeblood of a healthy community. They are one of the few remaining public spaces where people can gather, learn, and explore without the expectation of spending money.
During her tour, Queen Camilla spoke passionately about her “one wish.” Addressing the gathered staff, volunteers, and local officials, she expressed her hope that more communities across the country would follow Ratho’s example. She lamented the sad reality that many libraries are closing their doors, noting that to see a facility like Ratho being reopened is a credit to everyone involved.
“Long Live the Library”
Her impassioned plea culminated in a simple yet powerful phrase: “Long live the library.” This wasn’t just a soundbite; it was a call to action. The Queen Camilla Scotland library appearance served as a reminder that these institutions require support, funding, and advocacy to survive.
Her Majesty also took the time to meet with volunteers from the Royal Voluntary Service. These dedicated individuals play a crucial role in the library ecosystem, often helping to deliver books to those who are housebound or unable to visit the library in person. Their work ensures that the joy of reading is not limited by mobility or age, reinforcing the idea that a library’s reach extends far beyond its physical walls.
Launching the ‘Paper Trails’ Partnership
One of the most exciting announcements to come out of the visit was the launch of Paper Trails. This new initiative represents a dynamic partnership between Edinburgh Libraries and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
The goal of Paper Trails is ambitious yet grounded: to take the excitement and cultural richness of the Book Festival and weave it into the fabric of local communities. Ratho Library is one of the key sites for this program, along with Muirhouse Library and Liberton High School.
Connecting Communities with Mobile Libraries
A standout feature of the Paper Trails initiative is its focus on the mobile library service. During the Queen Camilla Scotland library tour, Her Majesty was shown one of Edinburgh’s new electric mobile libraries. These vehicles are not just transport; they are rolling cultural hubs.
Through the Paper Trails partnership, these mobile units will deliver a programmed series of events and activities directly to care homes and remote areas. This ensures that the magic of the festival reaches residents who might otherwise feel isolated from the city’s major cultural events. It is a perfect example of how modern libraries are adapting to meet people where they are, rather than waiting for people to come to them.
Inspiring Young Minds and Future Authors
No library visit would be complete without acknowledging the next generation of readers. The new Ratho facility shares its building with a nursery, creating a seamless environment for early years education. Queen Camilla spent time with these young children, reading to them and discussing their favorite stories.
This interaction highlighted a critical function of local libraries: literacy development in early childhood. By integrating the nursery with the library, Ratho ensures that books are a natural, everyday part of these children’s lives from the very beginning.
Meeting the Citizen Collective
Moving from the very young to young adults, the Queen also engaged with the Citizen Collective. This group consists of budding young writers supported by the Book Festival’s creative program.
For an aspiring author, there are few things more validating than having your work acknowledged. One young poet had the opportunity to share their work with Her Majesty, a moment that bridged the gap between a global figure and local talent. The Queen encouraged the group, noting that she was meeting them at the early stages of their careers and wishing them luck.
This segment of the Queen Camilla Scotland library visit demonstrated that libraries are not just repositories of old stories; they are incubators for new ones. They provide the resources, the quiet space, and the community support necessary for creativity to flourish.
A Personal Passion for Reading
It is well documented that Queen Camilla is an avid reader. Her online book club, The Queen’s Reading Room, has grown into a significant platform for literary discussion. This personal passion brought an authenticity to her visit. When she spoke about the value of books, it wasn’t a rehearsed line—it was a genuine reflection of her own interests.
During her conversation with bestselling author Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train, the Queen admitted she is “very partial to crime novels.” This relatable preference for a gripping mystery helped humanize the event, breaking down the barriers between royalty and the public. It reinforced the idea that regardless of status, the thrill of turning the page to find out “whodunnit” is a universal experience.
The Queen Camilla Scotland library visit was also marked by a personal donation. Her Majesty gifted a collection of books to the library, leaving a tangible legacy of her visit that patrons will enjoy for years to come.
The Resilience of Edinburgh’s Libraries
The context of this visit is crucial. Across the UK, council budgets are under immense strain, and libraries are often the first services to face cuts. Since 2016, over 180 council-run libraries have either closed or been transferred to volunteer management.
In this landscape, the opening of a new, purpose-built library in Ratho is a significant victory for the Edinburgh community. It signals a commitment from the local council to prioritize culture and education. The new building is designed to be a community hub, offering not just books, but digital access, event spaces, and a focal point for local life.
The Queen Camilla Scotland library opening serves as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that with the right prioritization and partnerships—like the one with the Edinburgh International Book Festival—libraries can evolve and thrive even in challenging economic times.
Conclusion: A lasting Legacy
The Queen Camilla Scotland library visit to Ratho was a multifaceted success. It celebrated the physical opening of a new building, launched the innovative Paper Trails partnership, and provided a platform for advocating for the survival of public libraries everywhere.
From chatting with nursery toddlers to joking with Sir Ian Rankin, Her Majesty covered the full spectrum of the library’s community. The event underscored that literacy is a lifelong journey, one that requires support at every stage—from the first picture book read in a nursery to the crime novel enjoyed in a care home via a mobile library.
As the royal entourage departed and the doors of Ratho Library opened to the public, the message left behind was clear. Libraries are essential. They are the heartbeat of our communities, the guardians of our stories, and the launchpads for our future writers. In the words of the Queen herself: “Long live the library.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was the Queen Camilla Scotland library visit to Ratho significant?
The visit was significant because it marked the official opening of the newly rebuilt Ratho Library. It also served as a major advocacy moment where Queen Camilla highlighted the importance of keeping public libraries open amidst a trend of closures across the UK. - What is the ‘Paper Trails’ initiative mentioned during the visit?
‘Paper Trails’ is a new partnership between Edinburgh Libraries and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. It aims to bring festival events and activities directly into local communities, specifically utilizing the mobile library service to reach care homes and schools. - Who accompanied Queen Camilla during the library tour?
Her Majesty was given a tour by Deputy Lieutenant Sir Ian Rankin, the famous crime author, and Jenny Niven, the Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. She also met with local councilors and volunteers. - What did Queen Camilla say about her personal reading preferences?
During her conversation with author Paula Hawkins, Queen Camilla revealed that she is “very partial to crime novels.” She also joked with Sir Ian Rankin about how popular his books likely are with the library’s readers. - How does the new Ratho Library support the local community?
Beyond lending books, the new Ratho Library serves as a community hub. It shares a building with a nursery to support early years literacy, hosts the Citizen Collective for young writers, and acts as a base for the mobile library service that supports older residents and those in remote areas.
