Brighton & Hove Councillors Slash Library Hours and Close Two Branches
Brighton & Hove faces a major blow to its library services after councillors greenlit severe cuts. From April 2026, two beloved community branches will shut for good, and several others face reduced opening hours. The drastic measures come as the council grapples with a tightening budget ahead of 2026/27.
Flagship Libraries Lose Hours, Smaller Branches Shut Down
The flagship Jubilee Library is set to lose five hours a week, closing earlier on Monday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Hove Library suffers similar cutbacks, with earlier closures on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Meanwhile, the smaller Hollingbury and Westdene libraries will close their doors permanently.
Rottingdean Library, once also under threat, escapes closure for now but faces a fresh review in 12 months following talks with community groups.
Council Defends Cuts Amid Backlash
“We appreciate these changes will disappoint many residents,” said Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries. “But they are necessary. Brighton & Hove will still offer more library provision per resident than the national average, with 11 libraries, online resources, and a Home Delivery Service continuing.”
The council promised support for communities losing library facilities. At Hollingbury’s Old Boat Community Centre, book donations and digital inclusion projects will keep running, while at Westdene, officials are exploring ways to boost pupils’ reading and encourage community-run library initiatives backed by the Better Brighton & Hove Fund.
Consultation and What’s Next
The cuts come after a 12-week public consultation from July to October 2025, following an earlier council decision to trim £210,000 from library spending. The reduced hours at Jubilee and Hove reflect quieter usage periods, and closures were based on factors like footfall, area coverage, and community needs.
The changes take effect in April 2026. Staff consultations on rotas and closures will follow, alongside a new Libraries Strategy launching next year aimed at reshaping Brighton & Hove’s library future.
