Housebound book lover fears library van loss

CUTS to Moray’s mobile library services could sever a lifeline to a disabled Lhanbryde woman who reads books avidly to help ease the crippling pain caused by her health problems.

June McKidd (61) lives alone and is confined to her home by the effects of spinal defects and osteoarthritis in every joint in her body, meaning she can only move around using crutches, as she refuses to go in a wheelchair.

Reading her favourite murder ­mysteries or romance novels provides June with ‘distraction therapy’, and a visit from the library van ­every three weeks allows her to feed a hobby which can give her some relief from her suffering.

But council budget cuts agreed last month include taking one of Moray’s two library vans off the road, a reduction of service June says will impact hugely not only on her, but elderly and vulnerable people who rely heavily on it.

“Books are my life, and reading is a lifeline to me,” she said.

“Because I read so prolifically I take 20 books at a time, which is the maximum they will give you.

“There’s not a hell of a lot else I can do except read. It keeps me going, and without a library van every three weeks I don’t think I would be able to cope.”