Decision Maker: Formartine Area Committee

Outcome: Approve

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 21, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 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.