Three libraries in North Somerset—Worle, Pill, and Winscombe—are facing possible closure as the council enacts significant cuts to its libraries budget. The council has announced it is “highly likely” that all three will close under the proposed £433,000 reduction, which represents a 20% cut to library spending.
Alongside potential closures, opening hours at remaining libraries will be shortened and funding for new books will be reduced. The council also revealed that one library in either Pill or Winscombe could remain open if an additional £10,000 is cut from the book budget and the Bournville Health Living Centre library stops Monday openings. Despite being the most frequented, Worle Library is expected to close regardless due to the high cost of building maintenance and its close proximity—just 1.5 miles—from another council library at the Campus.
Council officials highlighted that if parish or town councils take over management, these libraries may continue to operate in a more limited capacity, following the example of Congresbury’s library, which has been community-run since 2017.
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Cllr Mike Solomon, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and outdoor spaces, emphasized the importance of libraries to the community: “We know and recognize that our libraries are very much loved and at the heart of communities. That’s why we are keen to ensure that North Somerset’s future library service is fair, accessible, and future-proof while fulfilling our statutory duty to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service. It needs to meet the changing needs of local communities while achieving our agreed £433K savings target.”
The council aims to save £44 million over the next three years to balance its overall budget. Specific decisions on library cuts will be voted on in February 2026, with potential implementation occurring between summer 2026 and September 2028.
Library usage figures show significant community engagement: between May 2024 and April 2025, Pill Library issued and renewed 10,368 items, Winscombe Library issued 20,655, and Worle Library issued 37,374.
Residents are encouraged to participate in a public consultation on these proposed changes, open until noon on Friday, 24 October. Cllr Solomon invited the public to share their views, saying, “Your feedback will help us meet our duties and deliver sustainable services in new ways. Please complete the consultation online or request a paper copy by emailing [email protected].”