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Future of Public Libraries
14 May 2025
Lead MP
Jonathan Davies
Mid Derbyshire
Lab
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
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Word Count: 14294
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Jonathan Davies raised concerns about future of public libraries in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Minister to work with colleagues to implement and go boldly beyond the recommendations of the Sanderson review, which calls on Government to develop a national strategy for public libraries.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Public libraries face real-terms cuts of 49% since 2010, losing around 276 static libraries in England and good jobs for professionals. Since the Public Libraries Act 1850, they have provided universal free access to trustworthy information but now risk being targeted for savings.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Volunteers in Scarborough stepped in to save libraries from closure, with the Newby and Scalby library now thriving. It offers over 42,000 visits and numerous services.
Anna Sabine
LD
Frome and East Somerset
In Radstock library, community volunteers keep the doors open despite limited council support. The library runs events like Lego club and employment skills sessions, providing a vital service in the digital age.
Southgate and Wood Green
Libraries can be used as community spaces for artists and musicians, encouraging diverse communities to access library spaces through innovative ideas like the library late scheme.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
The hon. Member for Rhondda discussed his love for using various libraries and praised Baroness Twycross's engagement with library services, while also acknowledging the devolved nature of library responsibilities.
Chris Kane
Lab
Stirling and Strathallan
Libraries are essential community hubs that offer a wide range of services beyond book borrowing. They have faced years of budget cuts but continue to thrive with local support. Asked if the hon. Member agrees that access and proximity to libraries are important, highlighting the statutory duty in Scotland to provide a library service.
Chris Lloyd
Lab
Rhondda
Discussed the role of small local businesses and how libraries support their growth.
Ian Roome
LD
North Devon
Libraries are vital for community engagement, literacy improvement, and social integration. The BBC suggests at least 190 libraries have closed in the last five years.
Jamie Stone
LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Discussed Andrew Carnegie's impact on libraries in the UK and USA, shared personal experiences with libraries, and highlighted their importance to society. Agreed with the hon. Member that visiting a library can combat loneliness for older people, and also highlighted its value for everyone of all ages.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Praised efforts to maintain and improve libraries in Ilford despite austerity measures, described innovative uses of libraries as community hubs for exercise and learning. Emphasized the importance of diversification for libraries and mentioned that one library in his area includes a gym.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Emphasised the role of libraries as social hubs in rural communities and mentioned initiatives such as book swap shops and community events hosted at libraries. Also raised concerns about children not owning books and mental health support through library services. Paid tribute to VE Day celebrations involving libraries, noting their archive facilities' value for genealogical research.
Derbyshire county council under Conservatives signed off £625,000 of library budget cuts over four years. He urges Reform leaders to recognise the value of local libraries and find innovative ways to support them.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Libraries provide essential services to all ages and backgrounds without cost, highlighting their importance as a statutory service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
The hon. Member asked the Minister to commit to publishing a national strategy based on the Sanderson review, which has been a key ask from Members across the House.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Lab
Rushcliffe
Libraries were vital for enabling the working classes to get on in life, and philanthropy should play an increasing role in supporting them.
Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Highlighted the specialised advice provided by libraries, such as statistical advice to businesses starting up locally.
Tiverton and Minehead
Access to rural libraries is often limited by insufficient transport. The Government should urgently review steps to support access to rural libraries so that constituencies are not left without these community assets.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Libraries must be kept well-funded and accessible in recognition of their wide-ranging role in the community, especially rural communities. Somerset council operates many mobile libraries that provide essential services to rural villages. These services are under threat due to increased costs and years of under-investment by the previous Conservative administration.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Libraries are crucial for education, equality and opportunity. Since 2010, UK public libraries have lost around £232.5 million, with 800 closures and a loss of librarians from 24,000 to 15,000. Mentioned the importance of libraries in transitioning from children's literature like Nancy Drew to classics such as Dickens and Shakespeare.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
The Folkestone town centre library, closed since December 2022, has played a critical role in supporting disadvantaged communities. The cost of repairing the building is around £3 million. Wants to reopen the library alongside the creative campus in Folkestone, emphasizing the importance of integration between all creative industries and the library service.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.