Worle Library faces closure this September if North Somerset Council’s proposed budget cuts are approved, with Winscombe Library likely to follow in March of next year. While Pill Library might be spared, reduced opening hours across other libraries will be necessary to support it. Overall, the council intends to slash £50,000 from its libraries budget.
These plans are deeply disheartening. Libraries are far more than just places to borrow free books—they have the power to transform lives for the better.
As someone who grew up unhappy and isolated, my local library was a sanctuary. Beneath its fluorescent lights, amid the shelves and quiet, I found a safe haven. The library was a place of calm where the worst risk was a paper cut.
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It provided a focused environment for homework and exam preparation without distractions. When our home Wi-Fi went down one summer, the library became my connection to friends and family, allowing me to stay updated and engaged.
Most importantly, the library offered an escape. On countless Saturdays, I would nestle into a beanbag, losing myself in stories that transported me to the Danish royal court, the warrens of Watership Down, or the dystopian worlds of Panem, Gilead, and Westeros. For those hours, I was not a troubled kid but a traveler through the pages of books.
While every child finds sanctuary in different places—a sports field, a skatepark, or a relative’s home—mine was a palace of paperbacks and quiet refuge.
Had my local library closed during my childhood, I might not be writing this today. Libraries nurtured my love of reading and, in turn, writing. They gave me the foundation to pursue education seriously, leading me to Sixth Form, university, and ultimately a journalism diploma.
At 17, volunteering at the library revealed to me that I wasn’t alone in seeking solace there. Many visitors were simply looking for conversation, especially those living alone and feeling isolated. Some brought toddlers to story sessions, fostering community connections, while others sought shelter from rain or a warm place to rest.
Even now, as an adult, I rely greatly on libraries. They save me hundreds of pounds annually by offering free access to books, help me become a better cook through their cookbooks, and provide quiet workspace—like right now, as I write this article from one.
It’s important to acknowledge North Somerset Council’s challenging financial situation: a £53 million budget shortfall reported in 2024 means tough decisions must be made. While I empathize with councillors facing these pressures, closing Worle or Winscombe libraries would be a profound loss.
For many children in North Somerset, these libraries are more than buildings—they are life-changing sanctuaries and opportunities. The council will vote on the proposed budget on February 24, and the future of these vital community hubs hangs in the balance.