LEADERS of a national professional body representing librarians have sounded the alarm over the potential closure of six facilities in North Ayrshire as part of massive budget cuts.
Half a dozen libraries have been earmarked for closure under North Ayrshire Council's future saving plans, including Dalry, Beith, Saltcoats, Fairlie, Skelmorlie and Dreghorn.
CILIPS - Scotland's Library and Information Professionals - have sent a letter to all councillors in the region outlining their 'deep concerns' over the proposals to remove the services in villages and towns.
A final decision will be made when the local authority meets to set its budget - and address a £16 million black hole - in February.
CILIPS, which is a registered Scottish charitable incorporated organisation, support, represent and act as the professional body for persons in Scotland working in library and information services, and represent members’ interests in the wider library and information community.
Director Sean McNamara said: "We implore that this proposal is not taken forward.
"There is 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.
"We hope that any proposals will be fully assessed to avoid breaching legal duties.
"Our profession is signed up to a set of ethical principles that ensure our libraries can be key in upholding, promoting and defending human rights, equalities and diversity, access to knowledge, intellectual freedom, including freedom from censorship, and the development of information skills and literacy.
"But this can only happen if they are open and available to communities.
"Additionally, the wider evidence in support of libraries is clear and if well-funded and staffed, they will support the future economy, save you money in the longer term and be the beating heart of your communities.
"Libraries change and improve lives and to take 40 per cent of the council's libraries would rip the heart out of the communities who rely on them, as well as potentially breaching legal requirements.
"Libraries open gateways to reading and literacy, often where there is no alternative locally.
"They also provide equitable access to resources and IT and improve health and wellbeing for their users, saving both the NHS and councils money in the longer term.
"Whilst we recognise the hugely difficult financial position councils are in, we strongly urge councillors not to take this proposal forward."
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “For next year, we expect to have a budget gap of at least £16 million. 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."
Residents and groups are encouraged to take part in online surveys on a range of areas which can be found at north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Budget2025.
Paper copies 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.
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