CILIP is the leading industry voice championing and representing library and information professionals across the United Kingdom, guided by our Royal Charter to develop and improve library and information services, and as a Charity to act in the public good.

We are concerned at increasing reports of a significant number of proposed changes to public library services which appear to be motivated primarily financially rather than by the needs of service users.

In light of the many positive benefits of local libraries to the communities they serve, we urge councils to reconsider any proposed cuts to library funding and to prioritise the preservation and, where possible, improvement of local public library services.

We have set up the Libraries at Risk Monitor which aims to provide a resource for the library sector, and the public to keep track of these changes across the UK. We are inviting CILIP members and interested parties to update our crowdsourced map of current libraries at risk.

We know that councils across the country continue to face huge financial challenges in light of the increasing demands of social care, the cost-of-living crisis, and reductions in centrally distributed grants, along with a series of short-term local government financial settlements. We are working with councils to find opportunities for greater efficiencies through modernisation and innovation and have worked closely with the Local Government Association to produce guidance on this - Delivering local solutions for public libraries.

Once a library building is closed or a service is hollowed out, this represents a permanent loss of opportunity for the people in the surrounding area - permanently impairing social mobility and life chances in the process.

In a 2023 report commissioned by Libraries Connected, Libraries for living, and for living better research showed that England's public libraries alone generate £3.4 billion a year following landmark analysis by economists from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Investing in libraries is an investment in the future of our communities, ensuring that they remain vibrant, inclusive, and thriving places for generations to come.

Statutory responsibilities of local authorities

Councils have a statutory duty to provide 'comprehensive and efficient' library services under the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act. Under the provisions of the Act, changes to library services need to be made following consultation with affected communities.

These duties intersect with council responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty to ensure that changes to library services take into account the full range of needs of local residents, both now and in the future.

Some councils, having failed to observe these requirements, have found themselves under Judicial Review. In order to help avoid this we are drawing councils' attention to the guidance document Libraries as a statutory service, provided by the Libraries Team at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

CILIP has published Public Libraries - know your rights guide to help local decision-makers and library supporters understand the protections in place for library services.

Benefits of strong local libraries

At CILIP we work with councils across the UK to help them maintain and grow their local public library service. We are asking councils to take into account the following key benefits of maintaining provision for local communities:

1. Equal Access to Knowledge

Public libraries serve as invaluable community hubs, providing free and universal access to a vast array of educational resources including books, periodicals, digital materials and educational programmes. They play a critical role in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information for all members of the community, regardless of age, background, or socio-economic status.

2. Support for Education and Learning

Libraries are vital partners in education, offering essential resources and support to students of all ages. They provide homework assistance, adult learning support and access to computers and internet services, bridging the digital divide and helping individuals to succeed in life.

3. Cultural Enrichment and Community Engagement

Local libraries have amongst the most diverse audience of any local cultural institution. They promote creativity, imagination and cultural enrichment across all demographics, offering a wide range of activities such as author readings, book clubs, workshops, and art exhibitions, fostering a sense of community belonging and civic engagement.

4. Digital Inclusion and Technology Access

In an increasingly digital world, libraries play a crucial role in promoting digital literacy and providing access to technology for those who may not have it at home. From computer classes to Wi-Fi hotspots, libraries ensure that everyone has the opportunity to develop essential digital skills and participate fully in the digital economy.

5. Economic Impact and Social Cohesion

Local libraries contribute to the economic vitality of communities by supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and job seekers through resources like business development programmes, CV clinics and resources for jobseekers.

6. Driving health and wellbeing

Since the pandemic, local library services have emerged as an essential 'frontline partner' to public health services, providing access to health information, promoting health and digital literacy and helping to connect people to wellbeing activities and social care.

7. Tackling social isolation

Libraries serve as a safe, trusted and inclusive space for every member of the community. They have a proven role in helping Local Authorities to tackle the complex effects of social isolation, for example by providing Warm Spaces and social activities for many of the hardest-to-reach communities. In the process, libraries deliver significant savings for other social services.

Jo Cornish, interim CEO of CILIP commented:

Public libraries are a vital service right at the heart of the community. They are free to all and foster literacy, education, and community engagement. They provide free resources, bridge the digital gap, and offer a space for learning and cultural enrichment. Public libraries play a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity, lifelong learning, and the overall well-being of communities. We will work with local councils and the government to protect this essential service from funding cuts.

Further Reading

Libraries for living, and for living better

Delivering local solutions for public library services