Libraries call for government talks over ‘closure crisis’

The charity representing public libraries is seeking urgent talks with government after it emerged that councils have been significantly cutting back on provision in recent years.

An investigation by the BBC found that More than 180 council-run libraries in the UK have either closed or been handed to volunteer groups since 2016, resulting in the loss of around 2,000 jobs.

Deprived communities were found to be four times more likely to have lost a publicly-funded library during the period.

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Freedom of Information requests sent to every library authority in the UK and Arts Council England revealed that, in addition to closures, around 950 libraries, a third of those remaining, have had their hours reduced.

Libraries Connected, a membership organisation for public libraries, has said it wants to meet urgently with Chris Bryant, the DCMS minister responsible for libraries, and other library bodies to "discuss a way forward."

“These [BBC] figures lay bare the scale of the crisis facing public libraries and confirm what we have long suspected: libraries are hit hardest in the very areas that need them most," Isobel Hunter, CEO of Libraries Connected, said.

"But as this data shows, it is not just outright closures that threaten the library network – it is also a gradual reduction in opening hours, staff numbers and operating budgets that can leave libraries unable to meet the needs of their communities. 

"Ministers must urgently fix local government finances so that councils are funded at a level which sustains a properly resourced, staffed and supported library service in every part of the country."

Social value

Hunter said that much of libraries' social value is preventative, in that they provide early support with employment, literacy, health, and digital skills that reduce the need for more expensive interventions later on.

"Investing in public libraries brings huge returns for local communities and taxpayers," she said.

"Since January, Libraries Connected has supported around 40 library services within authorities that have issued, or are on the verge of issuing, section 114 notices.

"It’s understandable that when councils are in crisis, they look for quick fixes to balance their budgets – but these short-term decisions can be catastrophic in the medium and long term.

"Without urgent investment and a fair, sustainable funding settlement for local government, we risk hollowing out our public library network and storing up huge problems for the future."

A government spokesperson said it recognised “pressures” on library services and was “committed to giving stability back to local councils".