Residents urged to have their say on ambitious strategy for Liverpool’s libraries

Liverpool City Council has launched a bold and forward-thinking draft strategy that will shape the future of the city’s Library and Information Service over the next five years – and residents are urged to have their say on it.

The draft Liverpool Library Strategy 2025-2030 sets out a clear vision to transform libraries into vibrant, inclusive, and digitally connected community hubs that support lifelong learning, wellbeing, and neighbourhood cohesion. 

It outlines a number of key priorities, including:

• Expanding access to services
• Improving digital inclusion
• Enhancing community partnerships
• Ensuring libraries remain at the heart of local neighbourhoods
• Delivering services within existing budgets, while seeking new investment and income opportunities

Spellow, Norris Green and Allerton Libraries are cited as examples of good practice, as they are venues which don’t just offer a ‘traditional’ library service, and have already adopted a more community-focused approach. As a result, footfall has increased and community activities are now a regular, and popular, part of the offer.  

The City Council is also exploring opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of library buildings and expand services like the Home Library Service for residents who are unable to visit in person.

The draft strategy was approved at the City Council’s Cabinet meeting earlier this month, and from today (Monday 28 July), a formal eight-week public consultation is under way.

Stakeholders including residents, local businesses, community groups and, of course, library users, are being asked their views on the strategy and for feedback on the current service, including opening days and times, how often they use the city’s libraries (in person or online), what activities people do while using the service and which libraries people visit the most. This will help shape the final document.

An online survey is available on Liverpool City Council’s website, and physical copies of the survey will be available in all council-run libraries in the city. The draft strategy is also available on this page.  

The approach supports the council’s wider goals, including the Neighbourhood Model, and aligns with key pillars of the Council Plan such as inclusive education, thriving communities, and a strong local economy.

Liverpool City Council operates 14 libraries which are: Allerton Library, Central Library, Childwall Library, Garston Library, Kensington Library, Lee Valley Library, Norris Green Library, Old Swan Library, Sefton Park Library, Speke Parklands Library, Spellow Community Hub and Library, Toxteth Library, Wavertree Library and West Derby Library.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“Libraries are more than just buildings with books — they are safe, welcoming spaces that support education, health, creativity, and community.

“This strategy is about making sure our libraries are fit for the future and accessible to everyone in Liverpool. The response we saw following the incident at Spellow last year was a powerful reminder of just how deeply valued these spaces are — and why it’s essential that local voices shape their future.

“It isn’t about scaling back or cutting our offer – in fact it’s the total opposite. We want our libraries to thrive as vibrant community hubs, offering services that reflect the way people live today.

“This is an opportunity for us to work together to reimagine what libraries can be — and we want everyone to be part of that vision.”

For more information and to have your say, click here.

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