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The consultation ran between July and October 2025 and invited residents, stakeholders and partners to share their views on three distinct options for the future of library services.
Nearly 5,000 people responded including 500 children. Over 75 per cent of respondents said they used the library service at least weekly or monthly.
Each option considered in the consultation was designed to keep services fair, accessible and sustainable while achieving £433,000 in savings. Respondents were also encouraged to suggest alternative ideas and solutions.
Options included:
- transferring up to three libraries to community management or potential closure (Worle, Winscombe and Pill)
- adjusting staffed opening hours
- expanding outreach and mobile services
- reducing central costs, such as reducing the book budget
- identifying new income opportunities.
.All responses have now been read and considered and the feedback will help shape the final recommendations being presented to our Cabinet and Full Council meetings in February, when a decision on a way forward will be made.
This has not been an easy conversation for councillors, our staff or for our communities, but our financial situation means difficult conversations and decisions need to be had and made.
We know how much libraries matter to people and we want to thank everyone who took the time to contribute.
We have heard clearly how important our libraries are to communities – and that people want us to find creative, inclusive and future‑focused solutions. This feedback will help shape our recommended next steps.
We know our future library service must be fair, accessible and future‑proof while continuing to meet our statutory duty to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service.
A full report, including the proposed recommendations and an updated Equality Impact Assessment, will go to Cabinet and Full Council (Tuesday 24 February) for formal decision‑making by our elected members.
For the full consultation findings and next‑phase proposals, visit our website.