Stonehaven has shown an extraordinary level of support for its library in the first week of the campaign to stop its proposed relocation to Viewmount. Campaigners say they have been hugely encouraged by the strength and speed of the community response.
A Powerful Start
In just six days:
- over 700 people signed the petition
- the Save Stonehaven Library Facebook page gained nearly 100 followers
- posts have been shared across dozens of community and neighbourhood groups
- support has come from residents, former residents and people with long‑standing ties to the town
A campaign poster has also been designed and adopted, giving the movement a clear visual identity that is already being shared widely online.
Campaigners say the early momentum shows how deeply the community values its library as a central, accessible and welcoming space at the heart of the town.
Daily Updates and Next Steps
The campaign page is being updated daily with new information, evidence and ways to get involved. A small number of residents have already offered practical help, and organisers say further planning and coordinated action are now underway as the campaign continues to grow. The camapaign Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/savestonehavenlibrary
They describe the response so far as: “A powerful reminder of what Stonehaven can achieve when the community pulls together”.
How to Support the Campaign
The community is encouraged to sign and share the petition: https://forms.office.com/r/qva9mtUJqb
Those without an Aberdeenshire address — and therefore unable to sign the petition — can still help by emailing Aberdeenshire Council to share their concerns and ask that the library remains in its current location: stonehaven.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Campaigners are also asking people to share the campaign as often as they can, and — if they use WhatsApp — to share the petition link with as many contacts and groups as possible to help spread the word quickly.
Anyone who feels they can offer help or wants to get more involved is encouraged to message the team directly through the Facebook campaign page:
Council Response: Limited Clarity to Date
Following the recent Stonehaven & District Community Council meeting, senior Aberdeenshire Council officers issued written responses to detailed questions from the Save Stonehaven Library campaign team.
Campaigners say the replies did not meaningfully address key issues, including:
- why relocation is being considered
- what alternatives have been explored
- how accessibility issues at Viewmount would be resolved
- what the financial case for the move is
- how community views will influence the outcome
- what about the social impact
This lack of clarity naturally raises the question: why move the library at all?
The council has confirmed that no decision to relocate has been made, and that it is still reviewing feedback and preparing a report for elected members.
However, no timetable has been provided for when this will go to committee.
The full correspondence is available on the Save Stonehaven Library Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/savestonehavenlibrary