UNISON has slammed proposals to cut the two remaining libraries in the Wee County.
The union has called on Clackmannanshire Councillors to keep the services at Alva Primary School and the Tullibody South Campus open.
The council released their 2025/26 budget engagement booklet, which outlined officer suggestions for the next year’s financial plan.
Among this was a proposal to close the library facilities in Alva and Tullibody and, while no decisions have been made just yet, Unison have launched a plea to elected officials to keep them open.
Kevin McIntyre, branch secretary for Unison Clackmannanshire, said: “A library is an essential public service that everyone has the right to access as it provides a whole series of benefits to the community.
“Any further cuts would mean Clackmannanshire Council has gone too far and councillors should be reviewing the service to ensure that the people of Clackmannanshire have access to the services they need and not just focus on budget cuts and savings.”
If this proposal was to go ahead, all library services in Clacks would be centralised through the Speirs Centre in Alloa.
The council explained in the booklet that this decision has been suggested to better align with demand.
Face to face customer services previously offered at the Alva and Tullibody points would also be relocated to Kilncraigs.
Ian Keane, librarian, added: “Our libraries are much loved institutions that champion the most vulnerable people in Clackmannanshire.
“They act like a social medicine that makes Clackmannanshire a better place to live and grow.
“Removing or reducing the library service will disproportionately affect our poorest members of society.
“The library service holds parts of Clackmannanshire together, without it, without this social glue we are a poorer place.”
The council has a budget gap of £13.01 million to close this year and had warned that difficult decisions would be unavoidable.
A review of library service staffing would also be undertaken, which the council estimate would save £96,345.
Cuts to libraries had taken place in previous budgets, with the Sauchie Hall and Ben Cleuch Centre in Tillicoultry set to close this year.
Consultation on the proposals was open throughout January and February, ending on February 12.
Comments will now be passed back to council, with no set date confirmed for when the finalised budget will be published just yet.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Clackmannanshire Council, like all councils, is facing further rising costs, reducing budget and increased demand for services.
“This year, the council is facing a budget gap of £13.01 million which means savings are unavoidable and levels of provision and service delivery in the future may look different.
“Clackmannanshire residents were invited to have a say on the range of officer proposals, and that budget engagement exercise is now complete.
“No date for the budget setting meeting has been set and no decisions will be made until that time.”
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