Liverpool libraries threatened with closure will now remain open, after the council identified £1.6 million in funding to secure the future of the services.

Mayor Joe Anderson announced eleven libraries that were identified for closure will remain open but may have reduced hours to ensure the council can pay for the services. The original plans meant only eight of the city’s 19 libraries would have remained open, with North Liverpool particularly affected by the closures.

Libraries in Breck Road, Dovecot, Fazakerly, Kensington, Lee Valley, Old Swan, Sefton Park, Spellow, Walton, Wavertree and West Derby will remain open after Mayor Anderson said ‘a solution has been found’ to keep them open. It is believed the council has to identify a further £600,000 in savings to maintain the city’s library services.

Mayor Anderson says: “The on-going consultation about the future of the library service with local people, organisations and community groups has shown how many people share our passion for our libraries. It has also clearly shown that they are willing to get involved to help keep them running and I would like to thank them and commend them for that.

“So far, viable proposals have been received for seven of the eleven libraries and we are continuing to plan the future of the remainder.  There may have to be changes to the way these libraries are run, with changed opening hours for example, but the proposals are an exciting mixture of ideas with local community organisations and voluntary groups joining up to form new partnerships with Liverpool City Council.”

A plan to save the libraries will now go before Cabinet once the current proposals have been confirmed with local organisations.

Mayor Anderson’s video message outlining plans to save the libraries can be viewed below:

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