Below is a news release (Friday 6th December 2024) from Aberdeenshire Council. As you can see, there is no detail yet on any options being explored for Newtonhill library services. I am assuming that the consultation event will be held in the Bettridge Centre, where the library is currently hosted. Concerns have already been raised that having just one consultation event during the working week is not ideal.

Communities invited to share views on future delivery of Aberdeenshire library services

Discussions around the future delivery of library services in a number of communities are to take place across Aberdeenshire over the next fortnight.

During the events, Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) will outline options that are currently being explored and invite customers and residents to share additional ideas for consideration.

The sessions are being delivered in two phases, with the first events taking place in the Cairnbulg, Kintore, Newmachar, Insch, Boddam, Rosehearty, and Macduff libraries.

Further events will take place in January at the New Pitsligo, Inverbervie, Newtonhill, Strichen, Cruden Bay and Balmedie libraries.

Head of Communities, Partnerships & Wellbeing, Avril Nicol, said: “Our aim through these discussions is to provide reassurance that our intention is to continue to provide an element of face-to-face contact with our communities in the future, albeit this might be in a different location or delivered in a different way.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to outline our approach to delivering an affordable, sustainable model of service delivery in partnership with our communities. This will be supported by a network of 18 core libraries across Aberdeenshire and an ongoing wide range of digital services alongside the already popular ‘Click & Collect’ and doorstep delivery options which have been developed over recent years.

“The discussions we’ve already had in some areas has helped us identify some exciting opportunities that we believe will be mutually beneficially to the service and our communities.”

December’s events will take place as follows:

• Cairnbulg Library: Wed, Dec 11, from 12.30pm-1.30pm.
• Kintore Library: Thu, Dec 12, from 1pm-2pm
• Newmachar Library: Thu, Dec 12, from 3pm-4.30pm
• Insch Library: Fri, Dec 13, from 2pm-3.30pm
• Boddam Library: Tue, Dec 17, from 10am-11.30am
• Rosehearty Library: Tue, Dec 17, from 12.30pm-2pm
• Macduff Library: Tue, Dec 17, from 2.45pm-4.15pm

January’s events will take place as follows:

• New Pitsligo Library: Mon, Jan 6, from 10am-11.30am
• Inverbervie Library: Mon, Jan 6, from 1.30pm-3pm
• Newtonhill Library: Wed, Jan 8, from 3.30pm-5pm
• Strichen Library: Fri, Jan 10, from 10am-11.30am
• Cruden Bay Library: Fri, Jan 10, from 12.15pm-1.45pm
• Balmedie Library: Fri, Jan 10, from 3.30pm-4.30pm

The options currently being explored by LLA for the libraries concerned can be found below:

• Cairnbulg: LLA is exploring alternative buildings for the co-location/delivery of services, and to explore potential interest in asset transfer or lease of the existing library building.
• Kintore: The existing library space will remain within Kintore School, with the focus of discussion being around the proposed changes in delivery.
• Insch: LLA is considering the use of Insch Community Centre for the future delivery of local library services.
• Newmachar: LLA is exploring the possibility of delivering library activity in the Newmachar Primary School and perhaps working with local community managed facilities.
• Boddam: Options are being explored at the school and village hall.
• Rosehearty: The existing library space will remain within Rosehearty School, with the focus of discussion being around proposed changes in delivery.
• Macduff: LLA is exploring the potential of delivering library activity in alternative buildings such as the Myrus Centre and perhaps working with local community managed facilities.
• New Pitsligo: LLA is exploring alternative buildings for the co-location/delivery of services.
• Inverbervie: LLA is exploring alternative community owned buildings for the co-location/delivery of services. 
• Strichen: LLA is exploring alternative buildings for the co-location/delivery of services.
• Cruden Bay: LLA is exploring alternative community owned buildings for the co-location/delivery of services. 
• Balmedie: LLA is exploring alternative options including community owned buildings for the co-location/delivery of services. 

Feedback can also be shared with Live Life Aberdeenshire directly at llacustomerservice@aberdeenshire.gov.uk