During a Westminster Hall debate on May 14, MPs delivered urgent warnings about the fragile state of the UK’s public library system, focusing on the severe challenges faced by rural libraries. Budget cuts, declining staff numbers, and growing reliance on volunteers paint a stark picture of a vital yet vulnerable public service.
Anna Sabine, Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset, highlighted how libraries in her constituency have evolved into essential community hubs. She cited Radstock Library—a community-run facility in Bath and North East Somerset—as a beacon of local initiative keeping library services alive despite scarce resources. Radstock is supported by council staff, premises, and IT infrastructure, but many other libraries operate solely through volunteer efforts with minimal assistance.
Sabine emphasized that libraries offer far more than book lending. They serve as warm, safe places where people access public computers, printers, study spaces, and connect socially through activities such as Lego clubs, knitting groups, diabetes workshops, literacy classes, and food clubs. The ongoing cost of living crisis has amplified demand for these free, welcoming spaces, especially among those facing digital exclusion, social isolation, or unemployment.
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She stressed the importance of mobile libraries in rural areas, describing them as vital lifelines that provide access to books, the internet, and essential advice for isolated residents, particularly older individuals without transportation. These mobile services may see lower footfall but deliver critical connectivity and support.
Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, echoed concerns over rural service disparities, underscoring the “premium” rural residents pay for public services amid limited transport options. She called for urgent government action to secure access to rural libraries and protect these treasured community assets.
Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, praised Somerset’s library system as a national model of best practice, yet warned that years of underfunding and escalating costs, particularly by the former Conservative-led council, threaten its sustainability. She urged the government to prioritize local authority funding to maintain the accessibility and quality of libraries, which serve as crucial social and digital lifelines in rural communities.
Throughout the debate, MPs lamented that goodwill and volunteer efforts are propping up a system facing chronic underfunding. Sabine shared insights from a mobile library serving the village of Rode, highlighting how staff act as community sentinels identifying vulnerable individuals. She stressed that modern libraries address issues from isolation to inequality and must receive proper support.
Responding on behalf of the government, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Chris Bryant conveyed his personal passion for libraries, quoting Jorge Luis Borges who imagined paradise as a library. Bryant reflected on libraries’ historic role empowering working-class communities and emphasized their evolving nature as vibrant, creative hubs.
He cited innovative examples such as Devon libraries offering 3D printer access and Norfolk libraries providing health services like baby weighing. Libraries also support entrepreneurs with business data and planning advice, bolstering local economic growth.
Bryant acknowledged financial pressures on councils, cautioning against unfunded mandates that strain library services. While recognizing volunteers’ dedication, he insisted that paid professional staff remain essential. He praised libraries’ critical pandemic role in distributing test kits, supporting online learning, and offering safe community spaces.
Highlighting literacy and cultural access, Bryant said encouraging even one extra book read per child annually would be a triumph for individuals and the economy. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism as a third of UK residents have used a library at least once—a strong foundation to build upon.
Concluding the debate, Bryant called for sustained investment, innovative thinking, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure libraries continue as vital community pillars and national infrastructure. “Our libraries are not just cultural institutions—they’re part of our national infrastructure. They deserve our full support.”