Council considering almost £500,000 of library cuts

Funding for libraries in North Somerset could be cut by almost £500,000, according to the local authority.

North Somerset Council will spend around £2.25m in the next year on its library services, but it said it must make cuts of at least £443,000 over three years starting from 2026, a cut of around 20%.

It is now looking to approve a public consultation on 18 June, which would ask residents how the future of libraries looks in the region.

The council said while its library service is "well-loved", it wants to ensure it adapts amid rising costs and lower funding.

A spokesperson for North Somerset said a 12-week consultation over the summer will ask residents how community outreach can be improved, what adjustments could be made to opening hours, and how services can be maintained with less buildings.

Its service has 10 local libraries, a community library in Congresbury and a mobile service which visits 27 places.

There is also a delivery service and a digital library on offer.

Cabinet member for culture, leisure and open spaces, Councillor Mike Solomon said: "Our libraries are more than buildings – they're community hubs, safe spaces, and gateways to knowledge.

"I want to stress that we remain fully committed to providing a quality library service that meets our statutory responsibilities and is fair, accessible and future-proof."

He added: "No final decisions will be made until we've heard from our communities and residents."

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