This statement is issued by CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, the national body representing librarians and information professionals in Northern Ireland and the UK, in response to the lack of adequate funding for public library services.

CILIP understands the complex budgetary pressures facing all public services in the absence of a devolved government in Stormont however CILIP’s Ethical Framework and Charter commit us to uphold, promote and defend the principle of universal access to information and the continuity and preservation of knowledge. CILIP works to support and advocate for public library services and recognises the need to ensure proper funding in difficult financial times. Libraries NI is the cornerstone of access to free and impartial information in Northern Ireland.

Public libraries have a duty to be a “flexible and responsive library service which provides a dynamic focal point in the community and assists people to fulfil their potential” . The inadequate funding provided for libraries this year will impact every aspect of this aspiration; it has resulted in reduced opening hours across the library service and very few new books available to borrow. The ripple effects of these cuts will be far reaching in the communities that public libraries serve.

According to the National Literacy Trust, 1 in 5 adults in Northern Ireland suffer from poor rates of literacy. 16% of the adult population lack very basic computer skills. By failing to provide adequate funding for local library services which support digital access and basic skills, the Northern Ireland Assembly risks permanently leaving people behind in today’s Digital Economy.

Libraries NI branch and mobile libraries work within their communities to:

• Play a key role in delivering digital skills
• Provide free internet access
• Reduce social isolation
• Educate and inform library users
• Support and deliver lifelong learning opportunities
• Contribute to positive mental health of local communities
• Reach and support our most vulnerable communities
• Support people in the current cost of living crisis

The current reductions in the public library budget and shortfall in funding combined with increasing cost pressures and a legacy of sub-optimal resourcing over a number of years severely limits the ability of Libraries NI to continue to deliver these vital services and is unsustainable. This has the potential to reduce the number of library users and to reduce participation levels of current library users.

CILIP asks that the Department for Communities continues to engage positively with Libraries NI and to review their funding decisions to ensure libraries are appropriately funded. Properly funded libraries add value to communities and contribute positively to the lives of library users.

Nick Poole

CEO, CILIP,

December 2023

For more details please email:

Elaine Toal

CILIP Ireland Community Development Manager