Worle Library to close and staffed hours to be reduced in confirmed cuts to services

North Somerset Council have confirmed Worle Library is to close amongst a range of other changes to library services across North Somerset.

North Somerset Council has agreed, as of yesterday (24 February) evening, to implement a number of changes to its local library services following Full Council’s approval of the recommendations considered by Cabinet earlier this month.  

A spokesperson for North Somerset Council said;

“The decision marks the end of a comprehensive review shaped in partnerships with our communities, informed by last year’s 12‑week public consultation, which gathered 4,945 responses and rich feedback through engagement events across the area. Throughout this process, the council has emphasised a collaborative, supportive approach – working closely with residents, stakeholders, parish councils and ward members to understand what matters most locally and how library needs can continue to be met.”

“Working in partnership in this way means we can keep services accessible - through a blend of staffed sessions, self‑service access and outreach - while living within our budget”

“The agreed approach will deliver £433,000 of savings which were required through the council’s Medium‑Term Financial Plan (budget) for 2026-28, while ensuring the council continues to meet its statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service.” 

“The decision follows extensive engagement, a detailed analysis of consultation findings, equality impacts, community needs, and an assessment of the wider financial pressures facing the council.  

Years of reduced government funding and rising costs in essential services - particularly adult and children’s social care - have significantly constrained the council’s budget, making these changes unavoidable. Despite this, the council remains committed to working with communities and partners to ensure residents continue to have fair and meaningful access to library services.”

”Due to the significant costs required to maintain and repair the current building, Worle Library will close by 7 September 2026.”

“The council is committed to establishing and sustaining alternative library provision in Worle, working closely with local residents, community groups and Weston‑super‑Mare Town Council. This alternative offer will be delivered through outreach services and/or a community‑led library model, designed with the community to ensure it meets local needs and maintains access to core library services.”

”Further engagement is also planned for Worle Children’s Centre staff and users to determine next steps for children’s services based as the site”

If a viable proposal is not agreed by the set deadline, Winscombe Library will also close at the end of March 2027, with statutory library provision delivered through tailored outreach services shaped with the community. 

The changes will further see staffed hours reduced across all libraries including 8.5 staffed hours per week at Weston-super-Mare Library from September 2026.

Also the Campus Library will see a reduction in staffed opening hours and potential introduction of self-service opening hours. 

The changes will deliver in full the £433,000 savings target for 2026/28 that North Somerset Council sought to achieve.

Cllr Mike Solomon, Cabinet Member for Culture, Community Services and Safety at North Somerset Council said:

“This has not been an easy conversation for councillors, staff or for our communities. We fully recognise how difficult and unsettling these proposals may feel, but our financial situation means that tough conversations - and ultimately tough decisions - must be faced. 

“We have listened carefully to what people told us during the consultation. It is clear how much our libraries are valued, and communities have asked us to find creative, inclusive and future‑focused ways to keep services accessible. This feedback has shaped the recommendations approved at Full Council.” 

“We remain committed to ensuring that our future library service is fair, accessible and future‑proof, while continuing to meet our statutory duty to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service. Working together with community groups, parish councils and local partners, will do everything we can to ensure our libraries remain vibrant, welcoming and responsive - now and into the years ahead.”