Library campaigners say closures not consulted on

Kirsty Edwards (left) said the lack of consultation into the closures was "shocking"

The announcement of 13 library closures in Aberdeenshire "came out of the blue" and without consultation, campaigners have said.

Live Life Aberdeenshire, which delivers services for the council, said the sites will close by the end of the year due to reducing usage.

It said 18 libraries in "main towns" would remain.

One campaigner said the move would be taking away a "fundamental resource" for communities.

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

Kirsty Edwards, from Insch, has started a petition to save the local library which her seven-year-old daughter uses.

She said communities were not consulted on the changes and only found out about them from media reports.

Ms Edwards, 34, added: "Children of my friends have been crying because the library is closing.

"My friend's daughter went to see Santa and asked him to save the library and that absolutely broke my heart.

"That's how much it means to this community and the fact that they think it is fine not to consult us is shocking."

Insch library is one of 13 at threat of closure

An Aberdeenshire-wide petition has also been started, while one group said it was looking into a community asset transfer.

Protests are also planned for later in the week.

Ms Edwards said she hopes to "link up" with other communities to fight against the closures.

"The library really is the hub of our community", she said.

"We need this resource and it would be such a shame to lose that and it would be detrimental to the community."

A Live Life Aberdeenshire statement said: "This does not mean an end to library services in these communities.

"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."

Live Life Aberdeenshire has been asked for more information on the process which led to the decision to close the 13 libraries.