Macduff Library one of 13 under threat of closure in Aberdeenshire
Anger has met the news that Macduff is one of 13 libraries in Aberdeenshire facing closure by the end of the year.
Users of the library have set up an online petition urging folk to protest against the move. In addition, politicians have also been speaking out.
Live Life Aberdeenshire, which delivers services for the council, is also targeting Balmedie, Boddam, Cairnbulg, Cruden Bay, Insch, Inverbervie, Kintore, New Pitsligo, Newmachar, Newtonhill, Rosehearty and Strichen.
Macduff resident Natasha Watt, who set up the petition, has been using the library since she was a little girl.
She said: “It’s a 43-year-old purpose-built building which is really busy. For some people it’s their only access to Wi-Fi and computers, their only way to keep in contact with their families.
“In Macduff, the library stands not only as a space of education but also of community – a meeting place where friendships are forged and ideas exchanged.
“For the sake of the children who discover the joy of reading there, the adults who find solace between its shelves, and the elders who find companionship in its welcoming environment, we must stand against the proposed closure.”
The main opposition group at Aberdeenshire Council, consisting of SNP and Democratic and Independent Councillors, have stated that they were not made aware of the proposed closures until reports appeared in the press.
Gwyneth Petrie (SNP), who leads the opposition, said: “Despite being told, time and again, that local voices and place planning matters, we are hit with yet another raft of closure announcements without any community consultation.
“Why should our residents and constituents take part in such consultations, when decisions are being made regardless?”
Live Life Aberdeenshire says it intends to continue running 18 of the 31 libraries across Aberdeenshire.
Its statement said: "As part of our ongoing strategy for delivery of a sustainable, fit-for-purpose library service across Aberdeenshire, a decision has been taken to end the use of 13 library buildings by the end of the year.
"These are in locations where libraries have seen lower numbers of users over the years and have been operating on a part-time basis for some time, or where the buildings are simply no longer suitable for ongoing provision.
"This does not mean an end to library services in these communities, however. We will continue to provide access to services via our popular ‘click & collect’ and doorstep delivery options, through local outreach activities, and ongoing access to various digital services."
"Staff have been informed of the plans and we will now explore redeployment opportunities."
The online petition is available be going to change.org and typing in ‘Macduff Library’.
