Changes to public library services – know your rights
As the UK’s library and information association, CILIP is committed to changing lives by promoting education, literacy and prosperity for all. We do this by raising standards in libraries, information and knowledge management.
Since 2013, CILIP has worked with central, Devolved and Local Government, library services, campaigners and friends groups to oppose financially-motivated changes to public library services, including service reductions, closures, ‘hollowing
out’ and the transfer of services to communities without appropriate professional support.
We have created this page in light of ongoing pressures on Council budgets.
Know your rights - Step by Step Guide
If your library is facing closure or cutbacks, it's important to know your rights and understand that public libraries are a statutory service, subject to superintendence by DCMS in England and other regulatory authorities in Scotland, Wales
and NI.
We have created the following step-by-step guide to support librarians in opposing budget cuts and closure.
Download Full Guidance & Example Letters
The step by step guide is based on CILIP's body of experience in either opposing financially-motivated changes to library services, or supporting groups that wish to do so.
The guidance also includes past letters that CILIP has produced as part of the process of campaigning against cuts.
Download - CILIP Members
Download - Non Members
Scotland-specific guidance
Download and access Scotland-specific guidance created by CILIP Scotland in their 'Guide to Campaigning, Advocating and Lobbying'.
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