There are 26 libraries operated by the councilLabour is warning some libraries could be under threat

Libraries in Bristol are saved from budget cuts next year according to leading councillors after concerns they were under threat. But the opposition Labour councillors warned some libraries could be still closed despite the promises.

Bristol City Council operates 26 libraries, which have come under increasing pressure given dwindling budgets. In recent years many libraries were sporadically closed for a few hours due to a staff shortage, after the former Labour administration rolled out a recruitment freeze.

Next year, the new Green-Lib Dem administration has pledged £5 million for the library service, “protecting the services’ budget in full”. The Liberal Democrats said they have relieved the staffing issues, so people no longer have to guess whether their library will be open or closed.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities policy committee, said: “Libraries are an incredibly important community resource. So many people across Bristol rely on Bristol not just for access to a wealth of books and information, but also for their role as community hubs.

“We are constantly working to improve libraries for our communities. I am heading a root-and-branch review to examine how best we can run our library service, and ensure that future generations have access to them too. Making sure that libraries were open reliably for their advertised times was the first step, and developing a vision to get the best out of them is the next.

“The vital importance of libraries as an anchor point in diverse communities is exactly why we have protected their funding, even at a time when we are having to consider difficult savings in other areas. Liberal Democrats are committed to improving our libraries and making them fit for the next generation”.

The Greens also criticised Labour for “spreading misinformation about library closures” and lambasted them for the staffing shortage. They pledged to protect the budget despite “spiralling costs” for social care and special needs education, and a lack of cash from the government.

Green Cllr Tony Dyer, leader of the council, added: “Labour have been spreading misinformation about library closures, causing unnecessary distress to library staff and users. It is a desperate and despicable attempt to sow fear while offering no apology or acknowledgement of the zombie library service their administration has left for us.

“Greens understand the value of libraries to communities — not just as places to learn, but also as important resources for those in digital poverty, or those who simply need a warm space to rest. The library budget was protected in the Green’s balanced budget for this year, and I am delighted that barring any unexpected cuts from the Labour government, it will be protected for the next financial year.

“Now we must create a library service that works for everyone. This includes looking at having libraries open at the times of day most useful for their communities, what other activities could take place in the buildings, and whether library outlets could be opened in other venues. I look forward to seeing the completed recommendations from the task and finish group in our library strategy.”

However Labour is still claiming libraries could be closed. If libraries open on more days and for longer hours, the only way this can happen with the same budget is closing some branches, they said. Labour also took credit for ending the staff shortage, signing off extra recruitment before the local elections in May last year.

Cllr Tom Renhard, leader of the Labour group, said: “The Greens and Lib Dems have repeatedly refused to rule out library closures and they still won’t. Why would they make a public statement about this while — yet again — refusing to rule out closures? The answer is clear: closures are still on the table.

“Their administration put forward plans to close up to 19 libraries. Fortunately, they buckled under pressure from Labour councillors and community groups, temporarily shelving those cuts. However, only this May, they voted against Labour’s proposal to rule out library closures as part of their ‘review’.

“Thanks to the Labour government, Bristol City Council is £27 million better off this year. While the service’s budget will apparently be protected, libraries still need protecting from the Green and Lib Dem councillors in charge of the service.

“Throughout the public meetings to discuss libraries, they have alluded to a plan to close some libraries in order to fund the extended opening hours of others — pitting neighbourhoods against each other. We hope they see sense and rule out closures for good — even if it means performing yet another U-turn.”