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Views sought on proposed library service changes

Summary:

  • The council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the borough’s library services.
  • A tiered library service model is being proposed
  • The council is also proposing the closure of Westbrook Library
  • A consultation is now open until 5pm on Friday 9 May 2025 to seek public views
  • A number of drop-in events will also be held
  • More information is available at: warrington.gov.uk/warrington-libraries-public-consultation

Warrington Borough Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the borough’s library services.

Like many councils across the country, Warrington faces significant budget challenges. In the 2025/26 financial year, the council must find £30.4 million in savings.

As part of the wider budget-setting process, the borough’s 13 community libraries are being reviewed. Proposals have now been brought forward which aim to sustain core library services, amidst the council’s budget challenge.

These proposals form part of a public consultation, which is now live and will close at 5pm on Friday 9 May 2025.

What is being proposed?

A tiered system is being proposed for Warrington’s libraries, alongside the proposal to close Westbrook Library.

  • Tier 1: Central Library, Warrington town centre: A comprehensive library offer will be available at least five days a week, staffed by paid professionals, offering a wide range of resources, public PCs, and a diverse programme of activities.
  • Tier 2: Community Libraries (Burtonwood, Padgate, and Penketh): Open at least five days a week, and staffed by paid professionals (potentially with partner service integration), and a programme of activities.
  • Tier 3: Community Supported Libraries (Culcheth, Lymm, and Stockton Heath): Resources will be available at least five days a week, staffed by paid professionals for 20 hours per week, with self-service operation outside of staffed hours, supported by community involvement.
  • Tier 4: Co-located Hub Libraries (Bewsey & Dallam, Birchwood, Great Sankey, Orford, and Woolston): Core book loan and free computer access will be available seven days a week, with self-service supported by trained leisure staff. Orford and Woolston library spaces will be reconfigured within the Hub concourses.
  • Tier 5: Outreach, Home Library, and ‘Read to Me’ Volunteers: There will be a potential expansion of outreach services to support community access, along with Tier 2 and 3 libraries.

Proposed Closure of Westbrook Library

Westbrook Library is Warrington’s only community library that is not situated within a council building, which means the council has to pay rent. Since 2019, despite continued efforts and investment, the council has been unable to attract sufficient interest in the use of the community space.

The library is proposed for closure due to its lower performance compared to other Warrington libraries and the need to reduce rental costs.

Local residents who use Westbrook Library have five alternative library options. Three libraries fall within a 2.5 mile radius of Westbrook centre, all of which are located in council-owned properties.

An extremely difficult proposal

Cllr Tony Higgins, Cabinet Member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “Like many councils, we are facing significant financial pressures. This means we are having to make the most difficult decisions about the services and facilities we provide.

“We recognise the importance of libraries to our communities, and the brilliant work done by our libraries team. In recent years, while many other councils have closed their libraries, we have invested additional funding into modernising our buildings and services.

“However, our current position means we have no choice but to look across all service areas, including libraries.  While we are very proud to have retained so many libraries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a high-quality library service across so many sites.

“By doing things differently, these proposals aim to ensure we can continue to deliver high quality library services to our communities, while making necessary savings. Unfortunately, as part of these plans, we’ve had to make the extremely difficult proposal to close Westbrook Library.

“We want to hear your views on these proposals, so please get involved in the consultation and have your say. No decisions have yet been made, and all feedback will be taken on board. We are committed to working with groups, partners and communities across Warrington to deliver the best possible solutions.”

How can you have your say?

Warrington’s proposed libraries services changes can be viewed in more detail at: warrington.gov.uk/warrington-libraries-public-consultation. Here, you can also complete the consultation survey.

There will also be a number of drop-in events:

  • Friday 28 March, 4.30pm-6.30pm – Westbrook Library
  • Monday 31 March, 10am-12 noon – Birchwood Community Hub
  • Wednesday 2 April, 2pm-4pm – Woolston Neighbourhood Hub
  • Thursday 3 April, 3.30pm-5.30pm – Stockton Heath Library
  • Monday 7 April, 12 noon – 2pm – Culcheth Library
  • Thursday 10 April, 12 noon – 2pm – Westbrook Library
  • Saturday 12 April, 10am-12 noon – Warrington Central Library
  • Wednesday 16 April, 2pm-4pm – Burtonwood Library
  • Thursday 17 April, 2pm-4pm – Bewsey and Dallam Community Hub
  • Tuesday 22 April, 5pm-7pm – Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub
  • Saturday 26 April, 10am-12 noon – Lymm Library
  • Tuesday 29 April, 10am – 12 noon – Penketh Library
  • Thursday 1 May, 10am – 12 noon – Padgate Library
  • Wednesday 7 May, 1pm-3pm – Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub

Responses will be considered before the council takes any final decisions about the future of Warrington’s libraries.

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