THREE North Somerset libraries are ‘at risk’ of closure amid plans to cut more than £430,000 from budgets.

North Somerset Council (NSC) has launched a 12-week consultation over ways it hopes to save the money from the libraries budget – which could include venues closing, or being transferred to community management groups.

Libraries under threat are Winscombe, Pill and Worle, as the council battles “significant financial challenges due to an increase in demand and costs for services, particularly adult and children services” – and needs to save £44 million over the next three years.

In February, NSC voted to approve a budget cut of £433,000 on libraries – around 19.3% of the 2025/26 library service budget.

People now have until October 24 to respond to suggested savings – called ‘options for change’ – which include:

• Community-managed libraries: potentially transferring the management of up to three libraries to the community, where they might otherwise close. Three libraries are highlighted as potentially at risk in the consultation. These are Winscombe, Pill and Worle. Please note that Worle library may be at risk of closure under all the proposed options unless a community or partner led solution can be found. This is because the council cannot afford the significant costs required to repair and maintain the building.
• Adjusted staffed hours at libraries: Changing staffed opening times and expanding self-service options.
• Alternative delivery methods: investing in outreach activities (such as delivering library services in community halls or other council sites) to maintain library services in areas where permanent library buildings may no longer be viable.
• Reducing central budgets: Cutting central management, stock budgets, and streamlining back-office functions.
• Income generation: Exploring increased room hires, partnerships, and fundraising to support library services financially.

READ MORE: Plan for consultation over North Somerset libraries unveiled

Cllr Mike Solomon, cabinet member for culture, leisure and open spaces at NSC, said: “We want everyone to have their say and complete the consultation, which is open from now until noon on October 24.

“We know and recognise 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 whilst continuing to fulfil our statutory duty of providing a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service.

“It needs to meet the changing needs of local communities whilst achieving our agreed £433K savings target.

“By responding to the consultation, residents can inform the council of their needs and how best these needs can be met within the resources available.

“Your feedback will help us to meet these duties while delivering services in new, sustainable ways.”

Worle Library could face closure if a solution is not found. Picture: Google

Based on factors like current library usage and cost, the consultation outlines how up to three libraries could close if no alternative way to deliver services in those areas can be found.

The council will explore whether communities are interested in running the libraries, if services could be delivered differently such as through the mobile library, community outreach, or the Home Delivery Service as well as promoting alternative libraries nearby and digital library services and other ideas to keep library services going.

Any community organisation or group who would like to explore running or supporting one of the three potentially at risk libraries should contact the council directly via Libraries.Review@n-somerset.gov.uk.

A number of public drop-in events will be taking place, giving people the chance to ask questions and find out more.

After the consultation closes, all feedback will be reviewed and considered, the council said, with final recommendations set to be presented to Cabinet and Full Council in February 2026.

To take part in the consultation, and for more details on the consultation options, analysis of their potential impacts, as well as supporting information, visit n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries-consultation.

Paper copies are available at libraries, and for alternative formats or to request a paper copy, contact North Somerset Council via email at consultation@n-somerset.gov.uk, or call 01934 888888.