CILIP has encouraged councillors, MPs, and Metro Mayors to protect public library funding, ahead of the national Budget on 30 October and local budget discussions. The campaign highlights the immense value public libraries bring to their communities and the statutory duty to consult citizens properly about changes.

CILIP has written to 807 Councillors, 90 local MPs, and all 11 Metro Mayors for 19 councils across England and Wales, where local authority budget pressures could put their public libraries at risk of closure or a reduction in service provision.

The letters were sent on the morning of Monday 28 October 2024.

The letters provide guidance about how to evolve public library services to keep delivering for local people and include evidence of their long-term return on investment both financially and by contributing to a variety of agendas for social good.

The letter is a reminder that decisions should follow due process and meet statutory responsibilities to local citizens.

CILIP representatives will be meeting with Libraries Minister, Sir Chris Bryant MP to discuss longer-term funding for local authorities and libraries.

CILIP CEO, Louis Coiffait-Gunn commented:

“Investing in libraries is an investment in opportunity and growth. Professionally-run libraries are essential to keep our communities informed, inclusive, and thriving today and for future generations.

“Public libraries are free to all as hubs of knowledge, literacy, and community cohesion, providing essential resources and bridging the digital divide. They also foster lifelong learning and wellbeing, driving social mobility and preventing far greater public expenditure in future.

“New technologies and volunteers are welcome additions to augment services but can never replace the value delivered by professionally-staffed libraries with sustainable funding.

“We know we’re at an incredibly difficult moment where tough decisions have to be made and so we urge national and local government to prioritise investing in public libraries.

“A closed library never reopens, permanently limiting opportunities for the communities they once served, with disadvantaged communities most at risk of losing the vital services they provide”.

Earlier this year, CILIP set up the Public Libraries at Risk Monitor to provide a transparent and live resource for the library sector and the public to record and keep track of changes to library services across the UK.

As part of the Public Libraries at Risk campaign, CILIP has already written to 14 councils this year.

Download the letters and find out how you can support the campaign