Ellie Ames 03 September 2024

Public libraries in ‘crisis’ amid cuts

Public libraries in ‘crisis’ amid cuts image
Image: Bestkadr / Shutterstock.com

More than 180 council-run libraries in the UK have either closed or been handed to volunteer groups since 2016, analysis by the BBC has revealed.

The broadcaster found that more deprived communities were four times more likely to have lost a publicly funded library in that time.

A third of remaining libraries, about 950, have had their hours reduced since 2016 – with at least three councils cutting provision by half.

Libraries Connected, which represents library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said the figures laid bare ‘the scale of the crisis’ and confirmed that libraries were hit hardest by cuts in the areas that needed them most.

The charity’s CEO, Isobel Hunter, said: ‘But as this data shows, it is not just outright closures that threaten the library network – it is also a gradual reduction in opening hours, staff numbers and operating budgets that can leave libraries unable to meet the needs of their communities.’

She added: ‘Without urgent investment and a fair, sustainable funding settlement for local government, we risk hollowing out our public library network and storing up huge problems for the future.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner