Proposals to consult on the future of our libraries

Councillors will decide whether to consult on the proposed closure of 3 community libraries and changes to the opening hours of Jubilee and Hove libraries at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 17 July. 

The proposals are part of a wider plan for Brighton & Hove libraries, which included the introduction of customer service points earlier this year and some reductions in staffing. 

The proposed consultation will invite views on whether the library spaces vulnerable to closure could continue to be provided through a different operating model, for example a community asset transfer to a community or voluntary sector organisation. 

The plan aims to ensure we keep a sustainable and affordable library service running across the city, particularly focused on serving those in greatest need. If agreed, these proposals would allow us to keep 10 libraries open across Brighton & Hove. 

Proposed changes 

The proposed changes to library services in Brighton & Hove include:  

  • Closing Hollingbury, Rottingdean and Westdene libraries
  • Reducing the opening hours of Jubilee Library by 2 hours on Monday evenings and by 3 hours on Sunday afternoons
  • Reducing the hours of Hove Library by 2 hours on Wednesday evenings and by 3 hours on Saturday afternoons 

We considered a number of factors when looking at the libraries proposed for closure, based on their use and the needs of the communities in the areas they serve. 

This included an analysis based on economic activity and receipt of benefits and free school meals to prioritise areas in most need, as well as each library’s usage, the proximity of alternative community libraries and the operational costs.  

The proposed changes at Jubilee and Hove libraries reflect the times when the fewest people access them. 

If councillors agree, a consultation on the proposals will run from 18 July to 10 October. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport requires a public consultation for any proposals that reduce or significantly change statutory library services. 

Responses to the consultation will be considered and included in a Cabinet report for final decision in December. Any changes agreed will be introduced from April 2026. 

Protecting services for those most in need 

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries, said: “Libraries play a crucial role as learning, community and social spaces in Brighton & Hove, and we’re incredibly proud of our city’s libraries.  

“This consultation sets out proposals that make sure we protect library services where they are most needed, but also help us to achieve the necessary savings so the council can become financially sustainable and deliver essential services for our residents. 

“We are also keen to hear views and ideas on how we may be able to protect the libraries vulnerable to closure through an alternative operating model, such as a community asset transfer to a community or voluntary organisation. We have already begun discussions with Rottingdean Parish Council to this effect. 

“We want to continue the creative approach to library provision, for example introducing our Libraries Extra service to extend opening hours and improve access while reducing costs. We’ve also co-located services alongside our libraries, including the recently introduced council help desks. 

“If Cabinet agrees to go ahead with the consultation, we’ll be seeking views from as many residents, visitors, staff and partners as possible. While budgets mean our options are limited, no decisions have been made yet.” 

Our libraries  

Our current library service is made up of 13 libraries, including Jubilee Library in central Brighton, Hove Library and 11 community libraries across the city. Jubilee Library is one of the most visited libraries in the UK, recording over 830,000 visits in 2023/24 and accounting for about 50% of our library transactions. 

Over the past 12 years, Brighton & Hove libraries have undergone significant transformation to adapt to changing community needs and financial pressures. 

While many councils faced years of library cuts, we retained all our branches until 2023, when Mile Oak library closed due to low visitor numbers and high buildings costs. Staffed days at community libraries were also reduced, but access was maintained through Libraries Extra.  

In May 2025, we integrated customer services by introducing help desks at Jubilee and Hove libraries to enable more face-to-face support and access to council services, while library officers also staff the council's telephone switchboard. 

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