Plan to close 13 Aberdeenshire libraries announced

Plans to close 13 libraries in Aberdeenshire by the end of the year have been announced.

Live Life Aberdeenshire, which delivers services for the council, said the locations were seeing lower numbers of users in recent years.

The library buildings identified are in Balmedie, Boddam, Cairnbulg, Cruden Bay, Insch, Inverbervie, Kintore, Macduff, New Pitsligo, Newmachar, Newtonhill, Rosehearty and Strichen.

Live Life Aberdeenshire said 18 libraries in "main towns" would remain.

A 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."

The statement added: "We will retain a core provision of 18 libraries in our main towns, in line with the council’s place strategy. Staff have been informed of the plans and we will now explore redeployment opportunities.

"We would like to thank our customers for their support of these venues over the years and will share local information about access to services over the coming weeks."