Moray library closures stopped
Moray Council agreed on Wednesday 19 February 2025 not to progress with the proposed library closures, retaining all 11 branches and considering alternatives for future service transformation.
A new option, which was agreed by consensus across the chamber, will consider co-location opportunities within schools, ringfencing any capital receipts coming from the sale of library buildings for investment into the libraries network of buildings. There will be no reduction of opening hours and council staff will work with communities to review opening hours across all 11 branches, to ensure local need is met. They’ll report back to Full Council in August on any proposed changes to ensure consistency and that hours are aligned to usage.
Feedback from the public to the consultation on the original proposals, which ran from 13 November until 3 December 2024, has now also been published online alongside current information about usage, costs and building conditions.
The survey attracted a total of 2,219 responses and asked for views on a proposal to redesign the current service including a network of four area libraries; a new rural community outreach service within the seven areas where branches were proposed to close; and continued development of a housebound service. This option is no longer being considered based on the feedback received.
Just over 82% of respondents to the 2024 survey were library users, with two thirds using library facilities once a month or more. Traditionally libraries were used to read and borrow books and 92.2% of respondents stated this was their reason for visiting, while almost 44% said it was to use a computer, printer or wifi. Events and activities attracted almost 40% of respondents.
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “We’ve always said public input on consultations is vital and we’ve shown with this decision that we do listen and take the views of residents on board. However, the fact of the matter is we still need to transform our library services as part of our vision for the future and to make sure it’s a sustainable offering for the council. I’m pleased we were able to reach a consensus across the chamber with this decision and I hope local residents will continue to engage with the council to help continue to develop a sustainable service for the future.”