Councillors agree to reduce library services from April 2026
At the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 11 December, councillors agreed to reduce public-facing services at 4 of our libraries from April 2026.
These changes will help us deliver savings for 2026/27.
The agreed changes include:
- reducing opening hours at Jubilee Library by 5 hours each week on Monday evenings and Sunday afternoons
- reducing opening hours at Hove Library by 5 hours each week on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons
- closing Hollingbury Library
- closing Westdene Library
It was also agreed to keep Rottingdean Library open, with a further report to come back to Cabinet in 12 months to review the outcome of work with community partners.
Councillors agreed that officers will work with partners to continue exploring options for community-based provision in Hollingbury and Westdene.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries, said: “We understand the closure of Hollingbury and Westdene libraries and reduced opening hours at Jubilee and Hove libraries will be disappointing news for many, but we’re pleased to be retaining Rottingdean Library while we work with the community to consider future options.
“We are incredibly proud of our libraries and do not take these decisions lightly. However, we are facing an extremely challenging financial position and need to deliver savings to balance our budget while protecting library services where they are in greatest need.
“Brighton & Hove currently offers more library provision per resident than the national average and we will continue to do so when the closures are finalised.
“Residents will be able to access services at the city’s 11 remaining libraries, online and through the Home Delivery Service, and we look forward to exploring community-based options and alternative ideas suggested throughout the consultation in further detail.”
Hollingbury Library (Old Boat Corner)
Hollingbury Library is based at the Old Boat Community Centre, a key community resource which will continue to operate after the library’s closure.
Officers will continue to work with the centre to explore how we can support visitors, for example through donations of books for their book swap service and digital inclusion support.
Westdene Library
Westdene Library is adjacent to Westdene Primary School. We will continue to work with the school to explore how we can donate books to the school, to support pupils access to a range of books.
There is also an option for Westdene residents to consider an application to the Better Brighton & Hove Fund to support the potential development of a community-run library.
Background
In February, councillors agreed to reduce the library service budget by £210,000 by reducing public services.
A 12-week public consultation took place between July and October 2025 seeking feedback on a reduction in opening hours at Jubilee and Hove libraries and the closure of Hollingbury, Rottingdean and Westdene libraries.
The reduction in opening hours at Jubilee and Hove libraries reflect the times when the fewest people visit, while the libraries identified for closure were selected based on their use, geographic spread and the needs of the communities they serve.
The consultation included a survey, public meetings and drop-in sessions as well as meetings with community groups and stakeholders.
Next steps
We aim to close Hollingbury and Westdene libraries and reduce the opening hours of Jubilee and Hove libraries from April 2026. Officers will complete a consultation and restructure for library staff affected by changes to rotas and site closures.
Our current Libraries Strategy expires at the end of 2025, and a new strategy will be launched in 2026 to develop the longer-term plan for the city’s libraries.