Big changes could be coming to Brighton & Hove’s much-loved libraries and the council wants people to have their say.
Brighton & Hove City Council has launched a public consultation on the future of the city’s library services, in a bid to make them more sustainable and affordable. The proposals include closing three branch libraries: Hollingbury, Rottingdean, and Westdene, and reducing opening hours at both Jubilee Library and Hove Library.
A Love Letter To… Jubilee Library
The council is encouraging everyone, whether you’re a regular visitor, a first-time user, or simply passionate about public services, to share their views before the consultation closes on Friday October 10.
What’s Being Proposed?
- Closure of Hollingbury, Rottingdean and Westdene Libraries
- Reduced opening hours at Jubilee Library (Two hours less on Monday evenings/ three hours less on Sunday afternoons
- Reduced opening hours at Hove Library (Two hours less on Wednesday evenings and three hours less on Saturday afternoons
The proposed reductions reflect periods of lowest usage, according to the council. Libraries under threat of closure were assessed based on local need, usage, proximity to other libraries, and operational costs. Priority was given to communities most at risk of disadvantage, including areas with high levels of benefit claimants and children on free school meals.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries, said: “These proposals could help us to protect library services across the city where they are most needed, while enabling us to achieve the savings necessary to balance our budget.
“We’re also keen to explore alternative ways of keeping Hollingbury, Rottingdean and Westdene libraries open, for example, by transferring them to a community group or voluntary organisation.”
How You Can Get Involved
People can contribute their thoughts through the YourVoice online consultation and by attending one of several public consultation events:
- In-person public meetings on Wednesday August 27, 5pm to 7pm – Hove Town Hall and Wednesday, October 1, 7pm to 9pm – Jubilee Library
- An online meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 6pm to 7:30pm
- Drop-in Q&A sessions on Tuesday July 29, 2pm to 4:30pm – Westdene Library, Thursday July 31, 2pm to 4:30pm – Hollingbury Library and Tuesday, September 9, 6pm to 8pm – Rottingdean Library
If you have access requirements for any event, email: libraries.consultation@brighton-hove.gov.uk
All feedback will be considered ahead of a final decision, expected in December 2025. If approved, changes will be introduced from April 2026.
