The libraries, located in rural and coastal communities, are expected to shut by the end of the year due to declining numbers of users.
According to SLIC chief executive Alison Nolan, the “devastating” cuts will result in 27,000 people losing access to their local library.
Nolan added: “Since the council announced this decision, we’ve seen a huge outpouring of local support for the affected services in Aberdeenshire.”
“Communities know first-hand the immense value that a public library holds, not just in terms of access to books, but also as the beating heart of the community. It’s a shame the council does not appear to share this view.
“Whether it’s through the provision of computing classes, BookBug sessions that bring reading to life for children, or giving people a warm space that’s free to access where they can socialise – it’s beyond belief that the council have decided to cut back these services at the time they’re needed most, as we continue to feel the bite of the cost of living crisis.”
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“We struggle to see how the decision taken by Aberdeenshire Council in recent days reflects their statutory obligation in line with [the 1973 Local Government (Scotland) Act], and we look forward to receiving more detail from the council on their view on this.”
Speaking to the BBC yesterday, Aberdeenshire Council education boss Laurence Findlay said the local authority regretted how news of the closures were disseminated.
“We regret how this has been handled to date,” Findlay said. “I think the communication around the whole proposal was unfortunate.
“There’s been engagement with a number of users in some of the areas. We haven’t consulted with all users yet.
“But our assurance is to continue engaging with communities over the weeks ahead to allow councillors to make an informed decision about the future of these buildings.”
Eighteen libraries, based in Aberdeenshire’s largest towns, will remain open.
News of the cuts come as the council battles a projected £26 million financial deficit.
