Campaign launched to save Macduff library as 13 across Aberdeenshire set for closure

A Macduff library campaigner believes the community should have been able to have their say on the closure of 13 Aberdeenshire libraries.

Live Life Aberdeenshire announced on Friday more than a dozen of its libraries will be closing by the end of the year due to a drop in the number of people using them.

Natasha Watt, who said she has used the Macduff library since a young age, started a campaign once she heard through local media reports it was one of the facilities set to shut.

She said: "I'm disappointed and really shocked at the speed at how quickly it's happening.

"There doesn't appear to have been any real consultation with the community.

"It's just been this is what's happening and like it or lump it and they're closing by the end of the year - it seems really quick."

13 libraries to close

The library buildings set to close include Balmedie, Boddam, Cairnbulg, Cruden Bay, Insch, Inverbervie, Kintore, Macduff, New Pitsligo, Newmachar, Newtonhill, Rosehearty and Strichen.

Live Life Aberdeenshire, who operate the libraries on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council, said it will continue to provide 'click & collect' and doorstep delivery options.

However, Natasha highlighted the importance of libraries within communities stressing the closure of Macduff library will hit the town hard.

She said: "It's not just a place for people to go and pick up books. It's a huge huge part of the community, there are lots of groups.

"It's also giving people access to wifi, PCs to use. We are in the middle of a huge cost of living crisis where sadly a lot of people can't afford laptops, PCs tablets, they can't even afford access to the internet.

"So, I think to take that away from the town would be so detrimental. I just really think people need to know it's a really valuable resource to the community."

A petition to save the Macduff library has gathered more than 600 signatures so far.

Aberdeenshire Council apologise

Aberdeenshire Council's Director of Education and Children's Services, Laurence Findlay, apologised for the concern caused to communities affected and plan to explore options to continue activities and groups which operate within the library buildings.

Mr Findlay said: "We have been very open about the acute financial challenges facing Aberdeenshire Council. While a core network of library buildings remains firmly part of our plan, the fact is we cannot fund our full estate in the light of changing customer habits and falling footfall.

"This has caused us to think long and hard about changes that can be made to reduce costs, whilst maintaining critical services for those who need them most.

“Over the past year, we’ve had an ongoing programme of engagement with communities to help shape the future delivery of local library services.

"We do accept that for those communities who have not yet had the chance to discuss their local library services that this news has caused concern, and for that we apologise.

"Part of our focus is to explore how we could support the continuation of activities such as Bookbug sessions and ‘knit and natter’ groups locally, potentially in alternative venues or in partnership with existing community groups.

“We will continue our programme of local discussions before taking proposals back to our area committees for their input, and thereafter bring a report before Communities Committee for a final decision.

"We have to recognise, though, that as soon as possible and by the end of the financial year at the latest we will be looking to end the use of a number of our library buildings and make them available for other possible uses.”

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