Greens Welcome Draft Library Strategy 

Bristol Green Councillors have welcomed Bristol City Council’s new Draft Library Strategy.

The Draft Library Strategy was voted through by the Public Health and Communities Committee this afternoon with only Labour abstaining. It was worked on by a group of councillors from all parties and is the result of months of consultations with residents, staff, and stakeholders.

A final Library Strategy will come back to the committee for approval in January.

Following concerns expressed about staffing, an amendment was moved by Cllr Abdul Malik stating that any proposals in the final strategy regarding staffing will be subject to consultation with staff and unions, as well as financial, operational, equality, safeguarding and health and safety assessments.

Cllr Abdul Malik, Green Lead on the Public Health and Communities Committee, said “This draft strategy has a lot of exciting potential to improve what we can offer at Bristol’s libraries, including opening libraries in areas currently without them, and extending opening times.

“What it does not do is approve any specific future staffing model, or the replacement of paid staff with volunteers. I have spoken with UNISON, who have raised concerns about this, and have assured them that they will be fully engaged as the final strategy is developed.

“What has become clear throughout this process is that Bristol Labour do not care about libraries. During their eight years in power, they planned to cut funding and froze recruitment, leading to unplanned closures. They have never acknowledged this, let alone apologised for it.

‘Instead, they have spent their time spreading misinformation about library closures in a desperate attempt to sow fear and confusion.  Presumably in an attempt to play politics against the Green-led administration.

“If they were serious about improving our Libraries, they would join us in working together to improve the service with the resources available to us and call on the Government for much needed increased funding for this vital service.”

“Meanwhile, in the current financial climate, Bristol’s Green Councillors will continue to work tirelessly to make sure this strategy is the best it can be for library staff, users and all of Bristol.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Draft library strategy, coming to Public Health and Policy Committee on 19^th October 2026: 7.2.2 Appendix A2 – Draft Library Strategy.pdf; Committee papers: ModernGov – bristol.gov.uk
• Council press release: Draft strategy sets out ambitious plans to improve Bristol Libraries
• Bristol’s Library Budget Protected in Full  – Bristol Green Party