People gave their views on the future of North Somerset libraries. Pictures: Google/Pixabay

Education News North Somerset News Politics

Thousands have their say over North Somerset libraries – which could see closures

Paul JonesJanuary 15, 20260 Comment0

THOUSANDS of people responded to a consultation over the future of libraries in North Somerset.

Proposals – which could see up to three venues close – were put to residents to gain feedback ahead of further planning and decisions.

The potential changes are part of plans to cut £433,000 from library budgets in 2025/26 as North Somerset Council (NSC) looks to plug a £15 million financial blackhole.

Running from July until October last year, consultation over options to close up to three North Somerset libraries – at Pill, Winscombe, and Worle – garnered almost 5,000 responses (4,912).

Those taking part were offered a choice between three options for the affected libraries, which were:

Option A: Communities were offered the opportunity to manage libraries with the lowest usage, in Winscombe and Pill, with the potential to remain part of the North Somerset network and retain access to LibrariesWest services. If no viable community‑led
solutions were identified, Winscombe and Pill libraries would be subject to closure.
Worle Library and Children’s Centre was identified as being at risk of closure unless a community‑led or partner‑led solution could be secured, due to the significant costs required for building repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Option B: Communities were offered the opportunity to manage Winscombe Library, with the potential to remain part of the North Somerset network and retain access to LibrariesWest services. If no viable community‑led solutions were identified, Winscombe Library would be subject to closure.
Worle Library and Children’s Centre was identified as being at risk of closure unless a community‑led or partner‑led solution could be secured, due to the significant costs required for building repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Option C: Communities were offered the opportunity to manage Pill Library, with the potential to remain part of the North Somerset network and retain access to LibrariesWest services. If no viable community‑led solutions were identified, Pill Library would be subject to closure.
Worle Library and Children’s Centre was identified as being at risk of closure unless a community‑led or partner‑led solution could be secured, due to the significant costs required for building repairs and ongoing maintenance.

All options included a reduction in opening hours, as well as reductions in budget of up between £20,000 and £30,000 per year.

A report produced after the consultation said Option B – which would see Winscombe and Worle libraries close if no community group came forward to operate it – received the “highest level of agreement and the lowest
level of disagreement of the three options”. You can read the full report HERE.

As well as the closures, the option included removing £30,000 from the new books and resources budget, reductions in opening hours across other sites and increased income generation activity.

However, overall, respondents highlighted “concerns about the potential impact of closures and reduced access”, the report said.

“Many highlighted the importance of maintaining local access to books, digital services, support and community spaces,” it added.

“Some recognised the need for savings, but there was widespread worry about reduced opening hours, potential closures, and the effect these changes could have on people who rely on libraries.

“A minority of respondents supported aspects of the proposals, including the suggested closures. Some felt that reduced opening hours would be preferable to losing a library altogether, while others argued the council should first consider alternative approaches such as income‑generation initiatives or efficiency measures.”

The proposals come as NSC looks to save millions in a bid to balance the books in the coming years.

Recently, the authority was told it faced losing money from central government as part of the new financial settlement, prompting a letter to the Prime Minister from leader, Cllr Mike Bell.

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

A final report on the libraries consultation and proposals for the service will go to Cabinet and Full Council on February 24.

Cllr Mike Solomon, Cabinet member for culture, community services and safety, said: “This has not been an easy conversation for councillors, staff or for communities, but our financial situation means difficult conversations and decisions need to be made.

“We have heard clearly how much our libraries mean to communities – and that people want us to find creative, inclusive and future-focused solutions. This feedback will help shape our recommended next steps.

“We know that our future library service needs to be fair, accessible and future proof while continuing to fulfil our statutory duty of providing a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service.

“Together with community groups, we will ensure our libraries remain vibrant, welcoming, and responsive – now and into the years ahead.”

Following a decision by the Cabinet and Full Council next month, the library service will work with library teams, community groups, partners and library stakeholders to co-design implementation plans, the council said.