INTEREST in reading is warming up nicely in Touch thanks to the new 'micro-library'.

The novel idea has seen a repurposed microwave, donated by the Carnegie Dunfermline Rotary Club, turned into a box for borrowing books.

It's located in the Touch Community Garden and proved popular with residents who can go along and pick out something new to read.

Community garden director Lorna Anderson described it as "a stroke of genius" and added: "It’s been well used from day one.

"Local folk of all ages can get a free book to read, just a short walk from their homes, at any hour of the day or night.

"We just ask that they return the books when they’ve finished reading them.

“Along with the seating, planting and landscaping we’ve done here, it’s added another draw to bring Touch people together in the garden and foster a sense of community here.”

Ali Nisbet, from the Carnegie Dunfermline Rotary Club, restocks the micro-library each week. She said: “It’s so important that everyone has access to good books, and we’re thrilled that such a simple thing has proved so popular.

"As a result we’re thinking about erecting another one to increase the choice of books.

“We’d love to hear from anyone who can donate books to the library, or DVDs and CDs which we can turn into cash to help buy new books. The best place to get in touch is via our Facebook page.

“And we’d like to thank former Rotarian Jim Tolson for his DIY skills, Kirsteen Young from the Free Wee Library and Book Fairies and Waterstones’ bookshop in Dunfermline for their support.”