Library services in Brighton & Hove face reductions from April 2026
Campaigns continue to save community spaces with library closures planned
Library services in Brighton & Hove will see significant changes from April 2026 following decisions made during a Cabinet meeting.
Councillors agreed to reduce public-facing services at Jubilee and Hove libraries and close Hollingbury and Westdene libraries yesterday (11th December).
These measures are part of a plan to deliver savings for the 2026/27 financial year.
Changes to library provision
From April 2026, Jubilee Library's opening hours will be reduced by 5 hours weekly, affecting Monday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Similarly, Hove Library will lose 5 hours weekly on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
Hollingbury and Westdene libraries will close entirely, although officers have pledged to work with community partners to explore options for alternative provision.
Rottingdean Library will remain open, with a review on its future set to return to Cabinet in 12 months.
Community partnerships in Hollingbury and Westdene
Hollingbury Library operates within the Old Boat Community Centre, which will continue to serve as a community hub. Officers are working with the centre to provide resources such as books for its book swap scheme and digital inclusion support.
Westdene Library, located near Westdene Primary School, may benefit from book donations for pupils, while residents are encouraged to consider funding applications to establish community-run library services.
Background and consultation
The decision to reduce library services follows a previously agreed budget cut of £210,000 earlier this year. A 12-week consultation took place between July and October 2025 to gather community feedback on proposed changes, including reductions to Jubilee and Hove library hours and the closure of Hollingbury, Rottingdean, and Westdene libraries.
The consultation highlighted that closures and reduced hours were selected based on library use, demographic needs, and geographic spread. Community meetings, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultations formed part of this process.
Brighton & Hove Libraries Strategy
The city’s Libraries Strategy will expire at the end of 2025, with a new plan scheduled for introduction in 2026 to ensure the long-term development of library services.
Residents will continue to have access to library services at 11 remaining locations across Brighton & Hove, as well as online and through the Home Delivery Service.
Councillor Alan Robins commented: “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.”