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Crunch decision for Aberdeen libraries looms

ABERDEEN councillors will have the chance to reverse a decision to axe libraries in some of the city’s most deprived areas this week.

At its budget meeting in March, the SNP-led council backed the closure of Cornhill, Cults, Ferryhill, Kaimhill, Northfield and Woodside libraries as well as Bucksburn Swimming Pool, but campaigners against the decision fought on.

The Save Aberdeen Libraries Campaign not only continued to lobby councillors and rally support across the city, but also launched four separate petitions for judicial review to force a full consultation on the plans.

Now that the consultation is complete, elected members at the meeting of the full council on Wednesday are set to vote on whether or not to stick with the closure plans.

A spokesperson for Save Aberdeen Libraries said: “Despite the closures, Aberdeen’s libraries have experienced a 15 per cent increase in the number of in-person library visits from April to September 2023 based on the same period in 2022.

“We continue to call for improved investment in our libraries so that everyone in the city has equitable access to all that this essential public service can provide.”

Aberdeen City Council was approached for comment.

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