Worle Library in Weston-super-Mare, once slated for closure due to costly repairs, may now have a future thanks to a new initiative backed by local town councillors.
Earlier this year, North Somerset Council announced plans to close Worle Library as part of significant budget cuts to local library services. The library’s current building requires expensive repairs caused by extensive wet rot and damp issues, making its upkeep financially unviable.
In response, Weston-super-Mare Town Council has voted to investigate the possibility of taking over the library as a community-run facility. Potential new locations under consideration include Castle Batch and Worle Community Centre, where the library could continue serving the community without the burden of costly building repairs.
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Catherine Gibbons, a Labour councillor representing the Milton ward on both town and county councils, led the motion to explore this opportunity. She described the vote as a vital first step: “This motion is about giving Worle the chance to explore what a sustainable community library could look like. It is not a commitment to spend money, but a commitment to work alongside residents, volunteers and community partners to see what is possible. The passion shown by our community throughout this campaign has been inspiring, and I’m looking forward to helping turn that passion into something lasting for future generations.”
Weston-super-Mare MP Dan Aldridge welcomed the council’s decision, calling it “an important first step.” He added, “I look forward to working with residents, the town council, and North Somerset Council to help secure a long-term future for library services in Worle.”
If the town council takes over, Worle Library would operate as a community library. This model often involves volunteer staffing and reduced opening hours while remaining part of the wider North Somerset library network. The nearby Congresbury Library has thrived under this model since 2017.
Local author Nick Smart, who wrote his book in Worle Library and has been a passionate advocate for keeping it open, expressed his delight: “We are absolutely delighted that Weston Town Council has voted to investigate taking on Worle Library as a community library. Libraries are far more than places to borrow books – they are safe, welcoming spaces that support learning, tackle loneliness, help people access vital services, and bring communities together.”
North Somerset Council’s February decision to cut funding for Worle and Winscombe Libraries, while keeping Pill Library open, was driven by a £433,000 budget reduction, approximately one-fifth of the library budget. This move sparked concerns about dividing communities, with Pill’s local Green councillor Jenna Ho Marris warning of tensions caused by the closures.
Currently, Worle Library is scheduled to close on September 7 unless a viable community solution can be finalized.