Reprieve for closure-threatened Aberdeenshire libraries

Library buildings across Aberdeenshire are expected to remain open as community groups have rallied together to save their local services.

It comes after Aberdeenshire Council’s unexpected decision to close 13 facilities was revealed back in November, causing uproar in affected areas.

Residents were quick to take action against the closures with five petitions set up which collectively gathered thousands of signatures.

Some even made sure their voices were heard loud and clear by holding protests outside their beloved libraries in a bid to keep them open.

Since then, the local authority held public sessions giving residents the chance to have their say on how the library services should continue in the future.

Feedback from these meetings previously went before area committees, but a plan for each venue was put to the communities committee earlier today.

What happens next ?

So what will happen to the beloved venues?

Rosehearty will remain open with its hours increasing to ten hours per week, while Kintore Library will be accessible for 15 hours a week.

Current provision at the Bettridge Centre in Newtonhill will stay the same.

Centre staff and council chiefs are keen to improve and grow the library service there.

Meanwhile, Insch Library will continue to run from the Institute building on Rannes Street.

The service could have been moved to the underused Insch Community Centre.

However following talks with residents and trustees, it was decided that the “best thing” was to keep it exactly where it is.

Further improvements planned

All locations could be enhanced even further as volunteers may be trained to offer additional services such as Bookbug or various clubs.

The buildings at Balmedie, Strichen and New Pitsligo could also remain open – but under new ownership.

Community groups in each village have expressed an interest in taking the venues off the council’s hands through a community asset transfer.

A similar change could be coming to Cairnbulg, however the group looking to do this aren’t quite ready to press ahead with a plan just yet.

Councillors were told that the asset transfer process could take between six to 12 months to complete.

Library groups granted "licence to occupy"

The groups would be granted a ‘licence to occupy’, meaning the library service would continue in the buildings as normal until the deals are done.

Alternative locations for all three library services are currently being looked at in the meantime just in case the transfers fall through.

But, it may be the final chapter for one venue.

Library services at Boddam are expected to be hosted elsewhere and the building will be shuttered.

Council officers are looking at moving the service to the Public Hall, Boddam School or the Boddam Hub.

This move has been made as no alternative group has come forward to take on the site.

More talks to take place over four libraries

Meanwhile, further discussions will be held around the future of Inverbervie, Cruden Bay, Newmachar and Macduff libraries.

It is understood that groups have formed with a view to consider the future of at least two of the sites.

But, the council has requested more time be given to allow these talks to carry on.

The fate of these buildings is expected to be revealed in June.

Delight libraries will stay open

Central Buchan councillor Anne Simpson said she was “delighted” to learn that the “much-loved” Strichen and New Pitsligo libraries would stay open.

She added: “The fact that the library service is still going to be hosted in those buildings has been received incredibly well by the community.

“I was very concerned about the proposed closure of those libraries, but where we’ve got to could actually increase community resilience and wellbeing.

“New Pitsligo is one of our most deprived communities, it is lacking in services.

“But this community hub that is proposed will go a huge way to ensure that we get a good outcome there.”

"I grew up using the library"

Meanwhile, Fraserburgh councillor James Adams told the committee of his own experience at Cairnbulg.

He explained: “I grew up using the library as a school boy in the village.

“Members of my family continue to use the service, including my late grandfather who was still getting books delivered to his house until his final weeks.

“I know how much it means to people in Cairnbulg and Inverallochy.”

Concerns over discussions

However, Banff councillor Glen Reynolds raised concerns that the discussions had been rushed and suggested communities needed more time.

“Now more than ever, communities need to be consulted with these very significant decisions that need to be made,” he said.

“I have some real concerns in the way that this process has taken place.

“I want to make sure that the time is there to enable communities to have that flexibility to get it absolutely right.”

He added: “This whole process does have a sense of cart before horse.”

But despite his worries, the committee voted to approve the proposed changes by nine to three.

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