Unfortunately, you can't participate in this project anymore because it has been archived

Sustainability plan for libraries

We’re seeking your views on proposals for reductions to library services in Brighton & Hove.

As well as a reduction in opening hours in Jubilee and Hove Libraries from 1 April 2026, we're proposing the closure of Hollingbury, Rottingdean and Westdene Libraries.

Welcoming your views

These are draft proposals and we welcome your views on them.

We'd like to hear your views regardless of whether you currently use any of the libraries that might be affected.

Your feedback will help us better understand the needs of current and potential library customers and make appropriate provision to meet those needs.

Have your say

You can have your say until Friday 10 October.

The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete. You can log in to automatically save your progress and return later to complete your submission.

Different versions of the survey available

You can request a paper survey at any library, Family Hub, Hove Town Hall reception or the Homelessness Helpdesk at Bartholomew’s House.

If you have any questions about this consultation, need help to take part or need a copy of the information in a different format, please contact us at libraries.consultation@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Background information

Background information

Phase 2: Survey

Survey

Phase 3: Next steps

Next steps

Background information

2 June 2025 23:00 - 18 July 2025 23:00

Funding for local government has reduced significantly and continues to present a financial challenge. As a result, we're having to make tough choices about how services are run across all departments.

Part of the Library Service savings plan, as agreed by the Budget Council 2025/26, includes the closure of 3 libraries and changes to the opening hours of Jubilee and Hove Libraries.

The proposals are part of wider plans for Brighton & Hove Libraries, which include the introduction of customer service points earlier this year and some reductions in staffing.

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

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

Proposed changes

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

closing Hollingbury Library, Rottingdean Library and Westdene Library
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 operational costs.

The proposed changes to opening times at Jubilee Library and Hove Library reflect the times when the fewest people access these libraries.

We know many of our customers already use more than one of our libraries and that they have access to services seven days a week using Libraries Extra, allowing members to use the library facilities on unstaffed days. We also know many of our customers use our e-library as well as our physical stock.

The following documents are provided as attachments: