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 (including the book budget), and exploring new income sources.
Outcome to the consultation
Close to 5,000 responses were submitted to the consultation. This included those received through a children’s survey. Each has been read, considered and has helped shape the final report recommendations. This will go to Cabinet and Full Council on 24 February.
The Cabinet report is now available to view online. This includes the full set of draft recommendations for the future library service.
This report outlines how consultation feedback, equality assessments and financial evidence have informed the proposed way forward.