North Somerset's library service is at the heart of communities. It brings people together, supports learning, provides access to information and opens doors to opportunity.
The way people use libraries has changed. As councils across the country face tough financial times, we need to make sure library services thrive for years to come.
That's why the council launched a 12-week public consultation in 2025.
The consultation, which ran from 31 July to 24 October 2025, invited residents, stakeholders and partners to comment on three distinct options for the future of library services to ensure library services remain fair, accessible, and sustainable.
The options – designed to achieve £433,000 in savings – included transferring up to three libraries to community management or closure (Worle, Winscombe and Pill), adjusting staffed opening hours, expanding outreach services, reducing central costs (such as the book budget) and exploring new income sources.
Close to 5,000 responses were submitted to the consultation, including those received through a children's survey, and each has been read, considered and will help to shape the final report recommendations that will go to Cabinet and Full Council on 24 February.
You can view the Future of Library Services in North Somerset consultation summary report below.