Hugely controversial proposals to close six libraries in North Ayrshire have been heavily criticised by a national group representing staff.
One of the options under proposed budget cuts is to close Skelmorlie, Fairlie, Dalry, Beith, Saltcoats and Dreghorn Libraries and keep all the others open.
Now the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS) in Scotland have sent an open letter to North Ayrshire Council urging a change of course.
Director Sean McNamara said: “We are pleased to see that you plan to undertake community consultation before the budget is finalised.
“And we are fully aware of and sympathetic to the huge financial challenges facing councils across the country, including rising demands of health and social care, the cost-of-living crisis and the level of financial settlements you receive and we have advocated at a national level for sustainable, longer term funding for local authorities.
“However, we are deeply concerned at the suggestion to close six branches and implore that this is not taken forward.
“You have a legal requirement to provide library services that meet the needs of communities and that reductions to services do not disadvantage anyone under the Equalities Act. If well-funded and staffed, libraries will support the future economy, save you money in the longer term and be the beating heart of your communities.
“Libraries in Scotland are more popular than the cinema and football combined, are used by millions, have seen usage and demand increase in the past decade and they were the most frequently visited cultural event or place in 2022. They play an essential role in increasing literacy skills and reading for pleasure has been proven to improve the mental health of young people.
“Reading for pleasure was the most popular cultural activity in 2022. Library engagement saves the NHS £3.2m per year in Scotland.
“Children with regular access to books benefit from increased opportunities to enjoy stories from an early age, and Bookbug songs, rhymes and stories also help children to develop the skills they need to flourish later in life.
“Libraries provide vital facilities and training to improve digital inclusion. Libraries have been producing sustainability projects to help educate their users and research confirmsthe public see digital services as ‘no substitute’ for physical library spaces and reveals that in-person visits to libraries increased by 68 per cent since the pandemic.
“Libraries are key to reducing social isolation.”
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “For next year, we expect to have a budget gap of at least £16million. This requires us to make significant savings. Unfortunately, that means there will be very difficult choices ahead.
“It’s important to stress that no decisions have yet been taken on any savings. We are now engaging with communities and would urge them to let us know their thoughts on the services we provide.
“Over the coming weeks, council officers will meet with community groups and stakeholders to gather their views on how any changes might impact them.
“In addition, residents and groups are encouraged to take part in online surveys on a range of areas which can be found at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Budget2025
“Paper copies of these surveys will be available in local libraries and KA Leisure facilities. Alternatively, residents can call the council’s contact centre on 01294 310000 and the surveys can be filled in over the phone. The contact centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4.45pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.
“The feedback received will help inform councillors when they meet to set the budget in February 2025.”
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