Aberdeenshire residents fighting to keep libraries open amid shock plans to close 13 buildings
Residents across Aberdeenshire have put forward a number of “innovative solutions” in a bid to keep library services accessible in their area.
Aberdeenshire Council's shock plan to close 13 library buildings was revealed in November, with the sites due to be shut for good the following month. Despite this, several of the libraries remain open.
Balmedie, Boddam, Cairnbulg, Cruden Bay, Insch, Inverbervie, Kintore, Macduff, New Pitsligo, Newmachar, Newtonhill, Rosehearty and Strichen are still open but remain earmarked for closure. The local authority blamed falling footfall and unsuitable buildings for the unpopular decision.
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The news resulted in a number of petitions being created which gathered hundreds of signatures, along with protests against the closures.
Since then, council officers have held consultations with affected communities to see how library services could be provided in the future. Feedback from these talks are now being gathered together and will go before councillors for consideration.
Communities committee chairwoman, councillor Anne Stirling, said that “reasonable and positive” chats have taken place across the region. She also noted that “innovative solutions” had been put forward by residents to keep library services in their areas.
However, she stressed that the building closures were needed to save vital cash.
A number of cuts were made last February as Aberdeenshire Council tried to plug its £35.45 million black hole. Running the library estate was expected to cost the local authority around £1.84m.
Ms Stirling stated: “Live Life Aberdeenshire doesn’t have the budget to continue to fund and manage all of the buildings that we have.
“It’s just not feasible to do that so we have to do things differently. The library service is not just about books, there are other activities that take place within a library.
“It’s about relocating these services and finding different sites where those can continue.”
She added: “It’s the buildings we are considering, not stopping the service.”
When considering if other libraries are at risk of closure, Ms Stirling said: “Everything that is being considered is out for engagement at the moment."
Kincardine and Mearns area committee members recently considered proposals for Inverbervie and Newtonhill Libraries.
Head of service Avril Nicol explained that the library service at the Bettridge Centre will not be stopped. However, she stressed that the council was looking to “enhance and improve” its offering there.
North Kincardine councillor Mel Sullivan queried why Newtonhill was placed on the “at risk” list as it had already been moved to a new location. However, she admitted the announcement ended up being beneficial for the facility.
Ms Sullivan said: “The outcome of that panic is that people realised they have a library and they will appreciate it better.”
Meanwhile, two positive engagement sessions have been held in Inverbervie that should leave residents feeling encouraged.
The community council has identified and organised visits to four alternative venues that could host the library service in the future. These potential sites are Inverbervie Sports Centre, Inverbervie School, the Scout Hall and the ABK Church centre.
Meanwhile, Formartine area committee members discussed the future of Balmedie and Ellon libraries. The existing Ellon facility is expected to move inside the new Formartine House next month.
Its current two-storey building on Station Road was listed for sale with an asking price of £185,000 before Christmas. Officers revealed that there has been interest in the site and talks are ongoing with a potential buyer.
There is similar good news in Balmedie. Four groups expressed an interest to take over the running of the building through a community asset transfer. Two of these enquiries are expected to progress to the formal application stage.
However, Ms Nicol noted that there are other buildings in the village that could host the library service if needed.
Mid Formartine councillor Andrew Hassan attended the public meeting in Balmedie and noted the community still wants a physical library service in the village. He also hoped the four groups could work together to come up with one joint solution instead.
Feedback from all of the consultations will be put to the communities committee when it meets on February 13. The library buildings will remain open until a decision has been made on their future.
Going forward, Aberdeenshire Council will have 18 library buildings located its main towns. It will also carry on providing click and collect, and doorstep deliveries, along with various digital services.