Community rallies to save libraries in Moray amid proposed closures

As Moray Council proposes library closures, community members voice their concerns and fight for access.

As the deadline for public consultation approaches, residents of Moray are intensifying their efforts to prevent the closure of several local libraries. Earlier this month, Moray Council announced plans to shut down seven library branches, including those in Burghead, Cullen, Dufftown, Keith, Lossiemouth, Fochabers, and Tomintoul. In their place, the council intends to introduce a new rural community outreach service, a move that has sparked significant backlash from community members.

Concerns over accessibility and community impact

Many residents have expressed deep concern over the proposed closures, particularly regarding accessibility for vulnerable populations. Jamie Campbell, a Burghead resident, described the library as an “easy target” for the council, lamenting the loss of essential services in the town. “We’ve lost our pubs, our surgeries, our post office, our bank – there’s hardly anything left,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the library as a community hub.

In Tomintoul, Ellie Richardson highlighted the detrimental impact the closures would have on elderly residents who rely on the library for social interaction and access to information. “They’re expecting people to do a 45-mile round trip to the library when we have one within walking distance in the village,” she said, stressing the library’s role in fostering community connections.

Grassroots campaigns gaining momentum

Grassroots campaigns are gaining momentum across Moray, with residents organizing demonstrations and community meetings to voice their opposition. Georgina Barker, a campaigner from Portknockie, expressed her devastation upon learning about the proposed closures, particularly as she plans to start a family. “I want to be able to take them to the local library,” she said, underscoring the importance of accessible educational resources for future generations.

In Lossiemouth, Carolle Ralph, chairperson of the local community council, reported a strong turnout at a recent meeting aimed at rallying support for the library. “We had 120 people appear with only a day’s notice,” she noted, highlighting the library’s significance as a social hub for various community groups.

Community voices against council proposals

Residents are also voicing their frustrations regarding the council’s focus on the number of people within a 20-minute drive of a library. Mary Phipps, a local campaigner opposing the closure of Keith library, pointed out that the library serves a community with high levels of social and economic deprivation. “We have the whole community behind us for this campaign,” she stated, emphasizing the library’s role in providing essential services to those in need.

Frankie Barton, a Dufftown resident, echoed these sentiments, stressing that low-income families would be disproportionately affected by the closures. “Libraries serve such a great purpose for the average person who isn’t lucky to be in that financial position,” he remarked, calling for greater awareness and participation in the ongoing consultation process.

Council’s response and next steps

A spokesperson for Moray Council acknowledged the exceptional response to the consultation, which has been extended to December 3 due to technical issues. “We look forward to receiving more responses over the next couple of days,” they stated, assuring residents that feedback will be analyzed to inform future decisions regarding library services.

As the community continues to rally against the proposed closures, it remains to be seen how the council will respond to the overwhelming public sentiment. The fight to save Moray’s libraries is far from over, with residents determined to ensure that their voices are heard and their local resources preserved.