Bristol’s library budget protected in full

In early discussions for next year’s Council budget, Bristol’s Liberal Democrat and Green Party Councillors have agreed to protect the funding of the city’s library services in full. The Council currently operates 26 libraries across the city, and a community-organisation led access point in Lockleaze. 

A recruitment freeze enacted by the previous Labour administration had led to ‘stealth closures’ of Bristol’s libraries, as they were prone to sporadic closures due to staff shortages. Since taking office in 2024, Cllr Stephen Williams has worked to relieve this issue and ensured that it is no longer a guessing game for Bristolians as to whether their library will be open or not when they turn up.

Recognising the continued importance of Bristol’s libraries to local communities, Liberal Democrat and Green Party Councillors have secured the service’s annual budget of around £5m for the 2026/27 financial year. This announcement comes in the face of increased financial pressures for the councils, with spiralling costs involved in the statutory provision of adult social care and SEND education and underfunding from Government.

Cllr Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze), Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, said:

“Libraries are an incredibly important community resource. So many people across Bristol rely on Bristol not just for access to a wealth of books and information, but also for their role as community hubs.

“We are constantly working to improve libraries for our communities. I am heading a root-and-branch review of the city’s library service to examine how best we can run our library service, and ensure that future generations have access to them too. Making sure that libraries were open reliably for their advertised times was the first step, and developing a vision to get the best out of them is the next.

“The vital importance of libraries as an anchor point in diverse communities is exactly why we have protected their funding, even at a time when we are having to consider difficult savings in other areas. Liberal Democrats are committed to improving our libraries and making them fit for the next generation”.

Cllr Tony Dyer (Green Party, Southville), Leader of the Council, said:

“Labour have been spreading misinformation about library closures, causing unnecessary distress to library staff and users. It is a desperate and despicable attempt to sow fear while offering no apology or acknowledgement of the zombie library service their administration has left for us. 

“Greens understand the value of libraries to communities - not just as places to learn, but also as important resources for those in digital poverty, or those who simply need a warm space to rest. 

 “The library budget was protected in the Green’s balanced budget for this year, and I am delighted that barring any unexpected cuts from the Labour government, it will be protected for the next financial year. 

“Now we must create a library service that works for everyone. This includes looking at having libraries open at the times of day most useful for their communities, what other activities could take place in the buildings, and whether library outlets could be opened in other venues. I look forward to seeing the completed recommendations from the task and finish group in our library strategy.”