Hundreds of people in Moray and beyond have rallied in support of a senior librarian who is set to lose his job as part of plans to cut Library provision in half.
A Facebook page was opened at the weekend paying tribute to Stephen Leitch, well known throughout the region for his work far above and beyond his duties as a senior librarian primarily based in Lossiemouth.
insideMoray understands that Mr Leitch’s job is one of a number being cut by Moray Council. Most will be offered jobs in other parts of the local authority but it is understood that many fully qualified librarians are being redeployed to entirely different administrative jobs.
Mr Leitch has become a familiar face around Moray in particular providing book reading sessions for children of every age. While the Lossiemouth library is not one that is being scheduled for closure the branch opening hours have been reduced.
Commenting on the ‘Stephen Leitch fan club’ page which rapidly attracted over 320 followers in 24 hours, Karen Gault said of the librarian: “Stephen Leitch embodies all that is good about our community – he is the most charming, helpful, ‘nothing too much of a bother’, humble man that we are privileged to have serving in our local community.
“All ages from 0+ to the 100+ have benefitted from this young man being our librarian – well done on the setting up of this fan club!”
James McPherson added: “Had a lovely comment from a local commenting on the work carried out by our local librarian Stephen Leitch saying that nothing is too much trouble for him, dedicated to the libraries along the Moray coast and always goes above and beyond for the locals and the schools.
“BUT, Moray Council has decided to close several libraries and as a result our Stephen may lose his job. Like the page and put extra pressure on the council to reverse their decision.
“Any other messages of support are more than welcome.”
Former Moray Councillor Carolle Ralph described the first time she met Stephen: “I was attending a Scots language night and when I arrived there was a beautiful spread of homemade cakes and pieces.
“I was amazed to discover this very humble man had not only organised the whole evening but also done the baking himself! This was just a small example of the man and of how much he cares about our community.”
The page can be found on https://www.facebook.com/groups/427418517367589/