Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Library move?
The library will close on Christmas Eve as Live Life Aberdeenshire staff prepare to work over the festive period to relocate to the open space near the soft play area within Peterhead Community and Leisure Centre.
There will be a temporary pause in service provision until the new arrangements are completed – but we expect to be open to customers by mid-January, still offering a very good range of books, DVDs, audio books, local studies materials and reading group collections.
Once relocated we will also continue to provide a range of digital resources including access to computers, printers and photocopying, and will still be hosting our regular community group activities.
Throughout the move and once we’re relocated at the Leisure Centre – you can still reserve books or use Click and Collect.
Is the current Arbuthnot Museum open?
The existing museum has been closed since the start of the pandemic. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to provide a high-quality museum experience from the building. The new museum at Arbuthnot House will provide an exciting and accessible new museum experience for the whole of Aberdeenshire.
What is the connection to Andrew Carnegie?
Peterhead is one of the earliest purpose-built Libraries associated with Andrew Carnegie. At the request of Peterhead residents, Carnegie contributed to the cost of completing the building. The rest of the funding was raised locally. Louise Carnegie laid the building’s cornerstone in 1891.
Is the use of the building restricted to a library and/ or museum because it is a Carnegie Library?
No. The use of the building is not restricted in that way. The founders and funders supported it to provide a resource fit for purpose in its day. The new Museum and Library location will do the same for present day needs. The ambition for the Carnegie Building is that it will help to meet the needs of the town and its people in a new way as part of a Cultural Quarter that recognises the spirit of that legacy.
Will Aberdeenshire Council be operating the Carnegie Building?
No. Aberdeenshire Council will continue to own the building but the opportunity to operate it will be offered to interested cultural organisations and businesses.
What cultural activities will the building offer?
Potential operators have been invited to express an interest in offering their cultural activities or services from the building. The ground and first floor spaces may have different uses from each other and will have improved accessibility.