Liverpool City Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to library opening hours across Liverpool.
Library users, residents, local businesses, and community groups are being asked to share their views on how the proposal may affect them and for feedback to help shape future decisions on the library service.
The consultation runs until 17th October 2026 and focuses on changes to opening hours at all 14 council-run libraries, as well as changes to the opening hours of the Archive Search Room within Liverpool Central Library.
The proposal would see increased opening hours on Saturdays in some libraries and would reduce the overall number of ‘closed days’ across all locations. It will also look to reduce evening opening hours across some libraries and permanently implement a Sunday closure at Liverpool Central Library, which has not operated on Sundays since 2020.
Overall, the proposal will see an increase in total opening hours from 493 to 496.5 per week and will provide a standardised approach to opening.
Residents and stakeholders can have their say online via Liverpool City Council’s website, while physical copies of the survey will be available in all 14 council-run libraries in the city, 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
- 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 play a vital role in our community, and we recognise how valued they are by our residents.
“This consultation 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 are modern, accessible, and reflect the way people live today.
“We are committed to delivering a library service that meets the needs of residents across the city, and understanding the potential impact that any changes will have on library users is so important. We know that opening hours are not consistent across all our libraries, and the proposal seeks to rectify this, ensuring that libraries right across the city are more accessible to our residents and communities.
“This is an opportunity for us to work together to ensure our libraries are fit for the future, and we want everyone to be part of that journey.”
