Brighton And Hove Council Confirms Two Library Closures As Budget Pressures Mount

Two Brighton and Hove libraries are set to close next year, although work to create volunteer-run services will continue, a senior councillor has confirmed.

Brighton & Hove City Council’s cabinet has agreed to close Westdene Library and Hollingbury Library, while also reducing opening hours at both Jubilee Library and Hove’s Carnegie Library as part of a wider effort to manage severe financial pressures.

Deputy council leader Cllr Jacob Taylor said the decisions were made “with a heavy heart”, adding that the council is doing everything it can to protect vital services.

He said there is still hope for future community use of the Westdene Library building:

“We need to work with the school and the community to see whether some form of provision can continue in that space.

"That’s a commitment we make today.”

Residents Challenge Councillors

The meeting at Hove Town Hall opened with questions from residents and councillors concerned about the impact of the changes.

Westdene campaigners asked whether children accessing the library through its internal school entrance had been counted in the usage data, and why a recommendation to delay the decision was not followed.

Cabinet member for libraries Cllr Alan Robins said both usage data and public feedback were considered before final recommendations were made.

He admitted the process had been extremely difficult:

“I can’t stress enough how hard this has been. I’ve had nights where I’ve laid awake worrying about how we go about this.”

Cllr Robins said the council’s day-to-day budget is “running on fumes”, and that the financial situation leaves little room to avoid tough decisions.

Risk of a Section 114 Notice

Cllr Jacob Allen said he understood the community concern, particularly as someone who grew up using Woodingdean Library, but warned that failing to balance the budget could force the council to issue a Section 114 notice — effectively declaring bankruptcy.

He said other councils placed under government control have seen far deeper cuts:

“This proposal would close 15% of our libraries. Under commissioners, it could be far worse.”

What Happens Next

• Hollingbury and Westdene Libraries will close on 31 March 2026.

• Jubilee Library will lose five hours of opening time each week (Monday evenings and Sunday afternoons).

• Hove Library will see a five-hour reduction (Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons).These changes will begin from 1 April 2026.

Rottingdean Library will stay open for now, with a further review planned in a year’s time as the council explores potential community-run options.

Council leader Bella Sankey said closing community spaces is “the last thing anyone wants”, but encouraged residents to engage with funding opportunities such as the Better Brighton Fund, which is now open for consultation.

Despite the closures, councillors stressed that efforts will continue to establish volunteer-led library services where possible.