Proposed Changes at Arbroath Library and Re-Location of Archives

Local archives should remain in the local libraries and not be moved to Arbroath. Less Local people will be able to access and many may be be unable to travel not only due to the costs but the lack of reliable public transport. Leave these Local. Archives from Restenneth would be more easily accessed by the public at Arbroath library however it would be beneficial if the catalogue was digital and could be borrowed to Local libraries for those who couldn't travel.

Proposed changes are fine and seem good for the library — unsure if it’s ever happened yet, but updating any technology and available books would also be good.

Why has serious consideration been given to utilising Edzell Inglis Memorial Hall as an archive base. It is a wonderful historic building with it's own library and cultural area and the main hall area could be used to house all the historic items form over Angus. It has been handed back form Angus Alive to the Council so better to use that sit with sporadic use but still requiring maintenance and running costs.

I think it’s fantastic arbroath could house the archives. There is more public transport to arbroath from the rest of Angus it was always difficult to get to restenneth. The Arbroath library is already equipped with more up to date mobility access. There is plenty of space upstairs in arbroath library which is currently under utilised. The only thing I would like to see considered on the plans is a study area of some sort for students who do not have a safe or quiet space at home to study. I think this is something the council should provide for citizens. It doesn’t have to be a large space.

I think moving the archives to Arbroath would be great. Where Angus archives is currently located could be quite hard to reach if you don't drive

I don't agree with the local history collections of each library going to Arbroath Library. Some of these were bequests, intended to be used at their respective libraries. Why can't they be held in their intended library...they are just as much part of the library as the fiction books or reference books. I wouldn't expect to travel to Arbroath to view Forfar material and it puts a strain on the delivery driver/van. Keep each town's collection in the rightful town...not centralised. Its bad enough we are losing town museums without this too, soon there will be only 1 library/museum for us all!

All good sensible proposals.

Bearing in mind there is going to be a cost of circa £250K to implement this, why not use the Saltire Centre (as previously considered) instead where I suspect the cost of implementation would be less. It is equally accessible. How accessible was the Hunter Library at Restenneth? Why the need for further costly change at Arbroath Library??

Removing all Local History collections from the individual libraries is a disservice to our very loyal customers. Daily there are customers who come in to read old newspapers and look through photos held in books from our Local History collection. Yes, they could order these items and wait for them to be delivered but why put more pressure on our already over worked delivery person and his tiny van that is not fit for purpose? Why force our customers to wait a week and often longer for each item? That is not good service; it is poor planning.
Also, please 1. ask the current Arbroath and Archives staff about the furniture needs since they know best what will work and why, and 2. consider the building design when purchasing furnishings. Modern furnishings in a modern building looks good (think Carnoustie Library) modern furnishings in a traditional building looks garish and creates an uncomfortable environment for both employees and customers (think Montrose Library).