Proposals for future delivery of library services in Aberdeenshire communities agreed
Proposals for the future delivery of library services in nine Aberdeenshire communities have been agreed.
During a detailed discussion on Thursday (Feb 13), Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee was updated on proposals that will ensure the continuation of face-to-face library services in local settings, while reducing the number of stand-alone library buildings.
The plans will see some existing local arrangements continue, with some new community partnerships established, and the transfer of some buildings to local groups progressed. Opportunities to enhance provision with support from volunteers will also be explored.
Since 2018, the Aberdeenshire Library & Information Service has been undergoing a programme of change, taking account of how library users are choosing to access services, the significant growth in digital innovation, and the need to address budget pressures.
Public sessions have been held in each of the 13 communities where changes are being considered, with further discussions held with community councils and trustees of organisations as appropriate. Feedback from area committees was also taken into account.
During the meeting, the committee heard from community representatives for New Pitsligo, Rosehearty, Macduff, and Newmachar, who spoke of the importance of library services in their respective areas. The committee also noted five petitions calling for the protection of library services.
With the aim of the changes taking effect by April 1 this year, Communities Committee chair Cllr Anne Stirling moved for support of the proposals, seconded by vice-chair Cllr Sarah Brown.
Cllr Glen Reynolds, seconded by Cllr Neil Baillie, lodged an amendment calling for the postponement of decision-making until the committee’s next meeting in June to allow for further engagement with communities and an update of impact assessments for each library.
The motion to proceed was supported by nine votes to three, with one ‘no vote.’ As a result, the changes agreed by the committee were as follows:
Rosehearty: Services to continue in Rosehearty Library, with public access increased to 10 hours per week. Volunteer opportunities to be developed to enhance provision.
Kintore: Services to continue in Kintore Library for 15 hours per week. Volunteer opportunities to be developed to enhance provision.
Insch: Services to be provided from Insch Institute building in partnership with Insch Institute and community members. Volunteer opportunities to be developed to enhance provision.
Newtonhill: Services to continue Bettridge Centre at current levels, with a partnership commitment to improve promotion and marketing of services and grow volunteering opportunities.
Balmedie: An expression of interest for the asset transfer of the library building has been received, with a willingness to work in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council to continue library services in the building. Alternative venue options also available.
Strichen: An expression of interest for the asset transfer of the library building has been received. The library service will work with the group to deliver physical library provision in the town, possibly including other venues as an interim arrangement.
New Pitsligo: An expression of interest for the asset transfer of the library building has been received, with a willingness to work in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council to continue library services in the building.
Cairnbulg: Use another building/s in Cairnbulg for delivery of library services. The current building will be declared surplus to requirements, with potential for a short term let to a local group while an expression of interest for an asset transfer is progressed.
Boddam: Use another building/s in Boddam for the direct delivery of library services. Current library building will be declared surplus to requirements.
Further community discussion will be undertaken regarding options for the future delivery of library services in Cruden Bay, Inverbervie, Newmachar, and Macduff. A report will be brought before the committee in June for consideration.
Speaking after the committee, chair Cllr Anne Stirling said: “Our libraries service has been working hard to develop proposals that reflect the needs and desires of each of the communities concerned.
“I would like to thank our communities for their open and frank discussions about local library services, as well as the groups that have stepped forward to form new partnerships with us. It’s their passion that has helped us develop sustainable solutions that will see the continuation of face-to-face services, and in many cases enhance what is currently in place.”
Committee vice-chair Cllr Sarah Brown said: “I very much welcome the positive outcomes that have been identified, and which will lead to improvements and opportunities for the expansion of provision through closer working with our communities.
“We will have further discussions in June for those libraries where discussions are continuing with the aim of finding similar, positive outcomes locally.”
As part of the plans, the service will establish library user groups through each of its libraries and, where possible, take forward suggestions and comments to ensure the service best meets the needs of customers.
Provision will continue to be supported by a wide range of digital services, doorstep delivery, and ‘select and collect’ options.