Long Ashton’s library will close its doors to the public towards the end of the year, North Somerset Council has confirmed, but the authority has promised it will retain a service as long as it is cost-effective.
The library in Lovelinch Gardens is used by around 1,000 people in and around the village, and the council has launched a consultation into potential replacement services.
The move comes after the lease for the building expired last year, with the council looking to save up to £260,000 from library services across the region in the next two years.
The six-week consultation proposes twice-weekly mobile library visits in the morning and afternoon in the village, including pop-ups at venues and a continued home service for housebound residents.
The future of the libraries in Clevedon and Nailsea has also been in question as part of the cost-saving strategy.
However, as with Long Ashton, the council has stated it will not scrap the service altogether in those towns.
North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for the library service, Cllr Felicity Baker, said: “We are committed to continuing to provide library services for residents in Long Ashton, but must do so at a price we can afford.”
To get involved, visit www.consult.n-somerset.gov.uk
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