Final check out for Aberchirder library at its current location

Councillors at the upcoming Banf and Buchan area committee on Tuesday will be asked to formalise a move for community facilities in Aberchirder.

The current library premises are open for just five hours per week to serve the local area and a planned move to refurbished space within the Primary School building will enable it to extend its offering.

In the report to councillors is is explained that Live Life Aberdeenshire is expected to make savings of £210,000 in the libraries and museums service through expansion of click and collect (within libraries) at the expense of the Mobile Service, reduction in library buildings, replace existing systems with opensource products to provide access to a wide range of digital services and materials.

Efficient alternative provision of services locally can be achieved by colocating services in other council buildings.

Currently the library is only open to the public for five hours per week, with no other services that could be co-located within the library to extend the usage of the building.

To this end the proposed library move would be accessible through its own entrance and would also provide a public gateway to other LLA services that will be delivered at the school both within and outwith the curriculum.

This work also complements the ongoing development and work of the Community Hub at the school and would mean it would be a viable venue for Bookbug sessions, Exercise classes and Knit and Knatter type sessions.

If agreed, LLA will commence the process of moving the library to the school, with a view to delivering services there in the first quarter of 2023.

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