Libraries are providing ‘warm refuges’ to people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis, but the increasing price of energy is putting stretched budgets under extra pressure, charity warns.

Over 80% of library leaders say they expect an increase in people using libraries for shelter, a place to have a hot drink, and for financial advice this winter.

However, the charity Libraries Connected warns that library services are already struggling and need more funding to cope with the extra demand.

‘This extra support – and councils’ own spiraling energy costs - means library budgets will be even more stretched over the coming months. This money has to be found from somewhere,’ said the chief executive of Libraries Connected Isobel Hunter.

‘Central Government should provide councils with additional funding this winter, which would help ensure libraries stay open as vital warm refuges for their communities. In addition, a relatively small investment across the library network could help boost valuable support programmes such as the Holiday Activity and Food scheme, digital assistance and debt advice surgeries.’

Responding to the charity’s comments, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: ‘Rising inflation, energy costs and projected increases to the National Living Wage is estimated to add £2.4bn in extra cost pressures onto council budgets this year alone, rising to £3.6bn in 2024/25.

‘This pressure will force councils to rip up financial plans set just three months ago with the potential of funding cuts to local services, just to meet their legal duty to balance the books.

‘The public library network gives councils and government a key facility in almost every community. Targeted investment in them would undoubtedly help communities as they deal with the challenges posed by rising prices.’