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The Committee provided the
following comments:
 
a)   
It was important to emphasise that the Service was
looking to close buildings, not cease the library provision, and
any further communications needed to be clear and
succinct,
b)   
When finalising the IIAs, it would be helpful to
reconsider the wording of “older people are less
resilient” as this was not always the case,
c)   
It would be helpful to understand whether there will
be equity of provision across all towns and villages,
d)   
Cognisance was given to any impact on
staff,
e)   
In noting that there were several expressions of
interest relating to a potential asset transfer of the Balmedie
Library building, it was hoped that any groups involved may be able
to work together,
f)     
It would be helpful to have a greater understanding
of the usage of the library buildings, and whether Covid has had an
impact on this.  Has the usage changed
due to reduced opening hours or vice versa,
g)   
The community in Balmedie would like to see a
library provision retained within the building, and it would be
helpful to understand if any asset transfer opportunities may allow
that,
h)   
It would be helpful to understand why some libraries
noted in Appendix 1 do not have staffing costs, and
i)     
The Service and Area Teams were commended for the
community sessions held across Aberdeenshire to discuss the
potential changes to library provision.