WORLE Library and Children’s Centre will close – and Winscombe Library could follow – as part of cost-cutting plans, with jobs potentially at risk.

On Tuesday (February 24), North Somerset Council (NSC) approved plans to axe more than £430,000 from the libraries budget.

It comes after a public consultation over the future of libraries in the district, with Pill – which had also faced closure – set to be the focus of discussions “focusing on ways to support and strengthen the service”.

In Worle, the council said “significant costs required to maintain and repair the current building” would see Worle Library shut by September 7 this year.

“Further engagement is also planned for Worle Children’s Centre staff and users to determine next steps for children’s services based as the site,” an NSC spokesperson said.

In Winscombe, the library could close by the end of March next year if plans are not formulated to continue running it.

NSC said it would “work closely with Winscombe Ward Councillors and Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council to explore every possible option to keep the library open”.

Potential schemes could involve parish‑funded support, or the development of a community‑managed model delivered by volunteers.

“If a viable proposal is not agreed by the set deadline, Winscombe Library will close at the end of March 2027, with statutory library provision delivered through tailored outreach services shapes with the community,” the spokesperson added.

The council said the moves would bring £433,000 in savings across the district, with many libraries facing a reduction in opening hours and an increase in self-service options.

From September 2026, staffed opening hours will be reduced across council‑run libraries, including:

• FAHLC Library – closing one day per week and lunchtimes (11.5 hours per week)
• North Somerset Studies Library – reducing by 2.5 days per week
• Weston‑super‑Mare Library – reducing by 8.5 staffed hours per week
• Minor reductions at Nailsea, Clevedon, Yatton, Portishead and Pill
• Campus Library – reduction in staffed opening hours and potential introduction of self-service opening hours.

The savings will also be achieved through reductions in staffing and management budgets, book and e‑resource spend, systems costs, alongside increased income from a range of measures, including encouraging donations, commercial activity and partnerships, the council said.

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Cllr Mike Solomon, Cabinet member for culture, community services and safety, said: “This has not been an easy conversation for councillors, staff or for our communities. We fully recognise how difficult and unsettling these proposals may feel, but our financial situation means that tough conversations – and ultimately tough decisions – must be faced.

“We have listened carefully to what people told us during the consultation. It is clear how much our libraries are valued, and communities have asked us to find creative, inclusive and future‑focused ways to keep services accessible. This feedback has shaped the recommendations approved at Full Council.”

He added: “We remain committed to ensuring that our future library service is fair, accessible and future‑proof, while continuing to meet our statutory duty to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service. Working together with community groups, parish councils and local partners, will do everything we can to ensure our libraries remain vibrant, welcoming and responsive – now and into the years ahead.”

Changes to North Somerset libraries will be rolled out in phases:

• March 2026 – library staff consultation begins
• April 2026 – reductions in book and eBook and miscellaneous budgets made
• September 7, 2026: Closure of Worle Library, new opening hours introduced across council‑run libraries, new outreach services launched where required.
• By March 2027: Final decision on Winscombe Library’s future based on the viability of a community‑led model.
• April 2027: Remaining budget reductions implemented.

READ MORE: North Somerset news from your Leveller