A decision on the fate of four Nottingham libraries is imminent as community voices push for alternatives to closure
Nottingham: A big decision is coming up about four libraries in the city. They might close, and folks are worried. The council wants to cut down from 15 libraries to 11, which means saying goodbye to Bilborough, Aspley, Basford, and Radford-Lenton.
Over 5,000 people joined a consultation, which is pretty impressive. Many charities and groups want to help keep these libraries running with the council. Councillor Sam Lux mentioned they’re looking at every option to avoid closures, but nothing is set in stone yet.
The council will make the final call soon. They have a meeting on Thursday, January 16, where they’ll discuss library services until 2030. After that, they’ll share their findings with the public on January 21.
Des Conway, a local resident and library supporter, has been following this closely. He heard mixed messages about which libraries might stay open. Some say Radford-Lenton could be safe, while the others might be handed over to community groups.
Conway hopes all four libraries can stay open. He believes that if they do pass them to volunteers, it could be tough for them to manage everything, like maintenance and bills.
The council is looking to save about £1.5 million through these library cuts, which is part of a bigger plan to avoid financial trouble. They’re also considering reducing opening hours, cutting staff, and trimming the book budget.
Councillor Lux emphasized that these decisions will impact library services for years to come. They want to create welcoming spaces that support the community and provide essential resources.
