Libraries across North Somerset are set to face significant changes as North Somerset Council plans major budget cuts, threatening the closure of three libraries and reducing hours at others. This comes as part of the council’s effort to save £433,000 from the libraries budget, contributing to a broader £44 million savings target over the next three years.
The libraries most at risk of closure are Worle Library, Pill Library, and Winscombe Library. While it’s possible that one library between Pill and Winscombe might remain open, this would necessitate deeper cuts elsewhere. Currently, no consultation options include keeping Worle Library open, primarily due to costly repairs and its proximity to another library at the Campus.
All other council libraries will remain open but will face reduced staffed hours alongside increased self-service options. For example, Weston-super-Mare Library may close an hour earlier on weekdays and significantly reduce Saturday hours, potentially shifting to self-service during those times. The North Somerset Studies Library, located in the same building, will also see reduced hours, closing earlier on Saturdays and fully closing on two weekdays, though alternative study spaces will be made available.
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The For All Healthy Living Centre library could close for an hour at lunchtime each day and possibly fully on Mondays if it helps keep either Pill or Winscombe library open. The council is exploring extending self-service hours at this location.
At the Campus Library, hours could be cut by 18 staffed hours per week, closing earlier on weekdays and weekends. However, the introduction of enhanced self-service facilities means the total open hours may actually increase by 17 per week.
Smaller cuts affect Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead, and Yatton Libraries, mostly reducing Saturday opening times by half an hour and extending self-service access. Nailsea Library will also eliminate later Tuesday hours. Congresbury Community Library remains unaffected as it is community-run and not council-operated, but similar community takeovers could be considered for libraries facing closure.
The council is currently inviting residents to participate in a public consultation running until noon on Friday, 24 October. This consultation seeks feedback on which libraries should remain open, potential alternative delivery methods such as community-run models, partner organisation involvement, mobile or outreach services, and new funding opportunities.
Mike Solomon, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and outdoor spaces, emphasized the importance of the consultation, stating, “We want everyone to have their say and complete the consultation. Your feedback will help us meet community needs while delivering library services sustainably within available resources.”
Residents are encouraged to submit their views to help shape the future of their local libraries amid these challenging budget constraints.