Thousands of residents have voiced their opinions on which village library should be spared amid North Somerset Council’s ongoing budget cuts.
In 2024, the council announced a 20% reduction in its libraries budget, aiming to save £433,000 annually. This plan includes reducing opening hours across services and cutting funding entirely for three libraries in Pill, Winscombe, and Worle. However, the council indicated that by making further cuts elsewhere, it might be possible to save one of these libraries.
A public consultation invited participants to choose among three options: option A, cutting funding to both Pill and Winscombe libraries; option B, saving Pill Library; or option C, saving Winscombe Library. The option to save Worle Library was excluded due to costly repairs for extensive wet rot and damp issues the council cannot afford.
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The consultation drew 4,912 responses, including 500 from children. Letters were also received from two classes at Winscombe Primary School and from Weston-super-Mare MP Dan Aldridge.
Option B, preserving Pill Library, garnered the most support with 48% backing. Option A was favored by 45%, while 41% supported option C to save Winscombe Library. Approximately 1,000 respondents did not select any option.
The council released these results recently but has yet to finalize a decision. Recommendations, incorporating equalities impact assessments, will be presented to the council cabinet and full council meeting in February.
Pill and Easton-in-Gordano Parish Council welcomed the findings, stating, “Our community has sent a clear message: Pill Library is an essential and valued service.” They emphasized the strong local support as a demonstration of democratic engagement and urged the council to honor this by adopting option B.
Friends of Pill Library highlighted its role in hosting over 100 events yearly, providing free IT access, and serving as a vital safe, warm space within one of North Somerset’s most deprived areas. They called on the council to continue funding the library.
If funding is withdrawn, libraries won’t necessarily close immediately. The council intends to explore community-run management as seen with Congresbury Library since 2012, aiming to maintain library services where possible.
Mike Solomon, cabinet member for culture, community services, and safety, acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions: “Our financial situation necessitates tough conversations, but community feedback underscores how much these libraries mean to residents. We are committed to finding creative, inclusive, and future-focused solutions.”
He further highlighted the need for the library service to be fair, accessible, and sustainable while fulfilling the council’s duty to provide a comprehensive service. Collaborations with community groups will aim to keep libraries vibrant and welcoming.
Consultation comments cautioned that closures would disproportionately impact rural communities and children. One respondent noted, “Libraries are essential for children’s literacy and education—closing them removes safe spaces to learn.” Another stressed libraries’ role in digital inclusion for those without internet access. Conversely, some felt underused libraries should close in favor of more popular locations.
Among children surveyed, 59% said they would no longer be able to visit the library independently if their nearest one closed, expressing sadness and frustration at the potential loss of access to books, activities, and safe social spaces.
Following the consultation, Green Party councillors from Winscombe and Pill proposed a last-minute “option D” to avoid any closures by spreading cuts more evenly across the library service. Joe Tristram articulated concerns over gradual erosion of rural services, calling it “death by a thousand cuts,” urging the council to reconsider its approach.
As North Somerset Council navigates these financial challenges, community voices remain a pivotal part of shaping the future of local libraries.