Worle Library to close, confirms North Somerset Council

North Somerset Council has confirmed the closure of Worle Library as part of a wider review of library services aimed at modernising and sustaining provision across the area.

The closure will take effect from Monday, September 7, and will also affect the Best Start Family Hub currently based at the site.

This service will be relocated, with alternative hubs available in Locking Castle, Locking (The Campus), and Ashcombe.

Cllr Mark Canniford, cabinet member for communities and leisure at North Somerset Council, said: “We recognise that Worle Library has played an important role in the local community for many years and we’d like to thank everyone who has used and supported the service.

“While this is a significant change, we are committed to ensuring residents continue to have access to library services through nearby libraries, our new access point at Worle Health Centre, outreach support and home library services for those who need them.

“Our focus is on delivering a sustainable library service for the future while continuing to provide residents with access to books, information, learning and support in ways that meet changing needs and meet our statutory requirements.”

Nearby library services will continue to be available at The Campus library, Weston-super-Mare Library, and the library at the For All Healthy Living Centre.

Information about transport options, including a new WESTlink service connecting Worle High Street and The Campus, together with details of future outreach provision and support arrangements, is available on the council’s website and at the library.

From Monday, September 7, residents will be able to collect reserved library items and return books at a new access point at Worle Health Centre.

A Home Library Service will continue for those unable to leave their homes due to ill health, disability or caring responsibilities, with volunteers delivering and collecting books.

The car park at Worle Library will also close on Monday, September 7.

Elsewhere, the council has decided to end funding for Winscombe Library from April 2027.

Discussions are ongoing between North Somerset Library Service and Winscombe & Sandford Parish Council about future library provision in the village.

A decision is expected in the autumn.

If a community-managed option is not viable, the council will develop outreach arrangements to ensure statutory library services remain available from April 1, 2027.

Library opening hours across North Somerset will also change from Monday, September 7, 2026, with full details available on the council’s website.

These changes follow the 2025 Library Service Review, which gathered almost 5,000 responses from the public.

The council’s new approach will deliver £433,000 of savings which were required through the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026-28, while ensuring the council continues to meet its statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service.