A bold and forward-thinking strategy to shape the future of Liverpool’s Library and Information Service over the next 5 years is expected to get the go-ahead this week. 

Subject to approval from the Cabinet on:- Tuesday, 16 December 2025, the Liverpool Library Strategy 2026-2031 will strive to transform the City’s libraries into vibrant, inclusive, and digitally connected community hubs that respond to resident needs, support lifelong learning and wellbeing, and promote neighbourhood cohesion.

The Library Strategy will provide a clear vision and framework for the future of the service - helping to maximise impact, improve accessibility, and adapt to ever-evolving technological and societal changes.

An 8-week public consultation took place in July 2025 which sought to understand existing library service usage and the needs of the local community. Stakeholders - including residents, local businesses, community groups, and library users - were asked to share their views on the draft strategy and offer feedback on the current service.

Themes included 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.

Feedback from the consultation has fed directly into the Library Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026-2031 and has assisted with shaping the direction of the library service, with a focus on maximising impact, underpinning the neighbourhood’s agenda, and reaching more of those who live, work or study in the city – especially those who need help the most.

The delivery plan sets out an intention for the Library Service to integrate with Liverpool’s Neighbourhood Model, focussing on reducing loneliness, enhancing neighbourhood safety, and improving mental and physical health and wellbeing. It will also align with key pillars of the Council Plan such as inclusive education, thriving communities, and a strong local economy.

As part of the strategy’s commitment to inclusivity, and to ensure under-represented groups are involved in future service design, several panels and advisory boards will be developed, including:-

•            Youth Advisory Board

•            Library volunteer offer for adults, children, and young people

•            Stakeholder Library Advisory Board.

 
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 play a unique role in our society - they not only provide access to thousands of books, but they also offer learning, resources, digital access, and safe community spaces for people to meet, learn, and exchange ideas. This new strategy is developed with the wants and needs of our community at the heart - it’s our ambition to make every library across Liverpool the best it can be for residents, partners, and stakeholders, and it’s essential that local voices shape that future. Through this plan, the Library Service can make a real difference to reducing inequalities across the City and can support individuals and communities to be more connected, healthier, empowered, and less isolated.”