iStockUnder-threat Aberdeenshire libraries, initially planned to close by the end of last year, will remain open after locals won the battle to save them.
The local authority announced plans to close 13 facilities across the region in November, causing uproar in affected areas.
Residents were quick to take action against the closures, and five petitions to keep them open were set up, collectively gathering thousands of signatures.
Some even made sure their voices were heard loud and clear by holding protests outside their beloved libraries in a bid to save them.
Since then, a number of public sessions were held giving residents the chance to have their say on how the library services should continue in the future.
After months of discussions, members of the communities committee reviewed public feedback and made their decision on what should happen to the facilities.
The fate of nine venues was initially revealed back in February, but communities asked for further engagement sessions on the remaining four.
So what does the future hold for the threatened sites?
Following extra discussions, the future of Inverbervie, Cruden Bay, Newmachar and Macduff libraries has finally been decided.
Services at Cruden Bay, Inverbervie and Newmachar will move to their local primary schools.
However, additional services and groups such as BookBug are expected to be held at the Inverbervie Sports Centre and the Axis Centre in Newmachar.
And thanks to efforts from the community, Macduff Library will stay open.
Meanwhile, Rosehearty will also remain open with its hours increasing to ten hours per week, while Kintore Library will be accessible for 15 hours a week.
Current provision at the Bettridge Centre in Newtonhill will stay the same.
Centre staff and council chiefs are keen to improve and grow the library service there.
Insch Library will continue to run from the Institute building on Rannes Street.
The service could have been moved to the underused Insch Community Centre.
However, following talks with residents and trustees, it was decided that the “best thing” was to keep it exactly where it is.
All locations could be enhanced even further as volunteers may be trained to offer additional services such as Bookbug or various clubs.
The buildings at Balmedie, Strichen and New Pitsligo could also remain open – but under new ownership.
Community groups in each village have expressed an interest in taking the venues off the council’s hands through a community asset transfer.
A similar change could be coming to Cairnbulg.
However, the group looking to do this isn’t quite ready to press ahead with a plan just yet.
Councillors were told that the asset transfer process could take between six to 12 months to complete.
In the meantime, locals will be granted a ‘licence to occupy’ so the library service can remain accessible as usual until the deals are done.
Alternative locations for all three libraries are also being looked at in the background just in case the transfers fall through.
While most of the threatened libraries have avoided the axe, the one in Boddam has reached its final chapter.
Services will be hosted elsewhere and the building will be shuttered.
Council officers are looking at moving the service to the Public Hall, Boddam School or the Boddam Hub.
This decision was taken as no alternative group came forward to take on the site.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
