Councillors have unanimously backed a plan to safeguard the future of Perth and Kinross libraries by allowing them to become community service hubs. The change will require an annual investment of £375,000 from April 2027 and comes following passionate campaigning across Perth and Kinross to save rural libraries from closure.
Moving the new model for approval, council leader Eric Drysdale said he did so “recognising that libraries are not a cost to be managed, but an asset to be strengthened”. On Wednesday, June 17 the elected members of Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) were presented with a long-awaited report outlining a range of options for the future of library services in Perth and Kinross.
Background to the Libraries Review
Culture Perth and Kinross operates 12 libraries, two mobile libraries and a digital lending service on behalf of PKC. The libraries review was called after various protests and over 5,000 people signed petitions to save rural libraries in Alyth, Auchterarder, Birnam, Comrie and Scone from closure. Library lovers urged councillors to rethink their plans to close five rural libraries as a cost-cutting measure.
According to the report, Culture Perth and Kinross had already tightened its purse strings as far as it could in terms of its libraries operating “as one of the most efficient services in Scotland”. In 2024/25, Perth and Kinross spent £0.92 per 1,000 population, compared to £2.41 in Stirling, £2.14 in Dundee, £1.39 in Highland and £1.33 in Falkirk.
Council Leader’s Remarks
On Wednesday, Perth and Kinross Council leader Eric Drysdale told campaigners: “We have heard you and we have listened to you.” Tabling the proposal for approval, the SNP Perth City Centre ward councillor said: “Libraries are at the very heart of our communities. They support literacy and learning, provide digital access, promote health and wellbeing, and act as welcoming, inclusive spaces for people of all ages.
“They are also delivering real value - economically, socially and culturally - with strong performance, growing footfall, and clear evidence of the return they generate for our communities. However, we must also recognise the reality we face. The current model is not financially sustainable in the long term without continued investment. After significant efficiencies over many years, there is very limited scope to make further savings without impacting services or access.
“That is why this report is so important. It sets out a range of options, carefully assessed, and identifies a clear and evidence-based preferred approach - the Community Services Hub Model. This model allows us to protect our statutory library service while transforming how it is delivered. It builds on what we already do well, while strengthening partnership working, improving use of our buildings, and better aligning services with the needs of our communities.”
He added: “This is about making the right long-term choice. And it is about recognising that libraries are not a cost to be managed, but an asset to be strengthened. So, to the save our libraries campaigners I say this, loudly and unequivocally, you have passionately made your views on the protection and improvement of libraries very clear, over a number of years. We have heard you and we have listened to you.”
Details of the New Model
Councillors were told the new model could allow partners in the third sector and private sector to operate in the hub, as well as council services. PKC’s Property Services chief John Beveridge described the move as “no a short-term fix but a bit longer-term” and “quite exciting in terms of an offer going forward”.
