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Liverpool is on the brink of approving an ambitious new plan designed to steer the Library and Information Service through the next five years. The Liverpool Library Strategy 2026-2031, pending Cabinet approval on Tuesday, 16 December, aims to revitalize the city’s libraries, turning them into dynamic and inclusive community centers that embrace digital connectivity. This initiative seeks to meet the diverse needs of Liverpool’s residents by fostering lifelong learning, supporting wellbeing, and enhancing social cohesion within neighborhoods.
The strategy sets out a comprehensive vision and structural framework to boost the library service’s reach and effectiveness. By adapting to ongoing societal shifts and advances in technology, the plan focuses on expanding accessibility and maximizing the positive impact libraries have on the community. Earlier in July 2025, an extensive eight-week consultation engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, community groups, and current library users. Their feedback addressed topics such as library opening hours, frequency of visits both in-person and online, the activities undertaken during visits, and the most popular branches.
Responses from this consultation period played an essential role in shaping the Library Strategy and Delivery Plan for 2026-2031. A key aim of the plan is to align the library service with Liverpool’s broader Neighbourhood Model, concentrating on initiatives to reduce loneliness, enhance neighborhood safety, and boost mental and physical health and wellbeing. It also supports main objectives outlined in the Council Plan, including inclusive education, thriving communities, and a robust local economy. To promote inclusivity and involve under-represented groups in future service design, the strategy proposes establishing several advisory panels, such as a Youth Advisory Board, volunteer opportunities for all ages, and a Stakeholder Library Advisory Board.
The network managed by Liverpool City Council includes fourteen libraries: Allerton, Central, Childwall, Garston, Kensington, Lee Valley, Norris Green, Old Swan, Sefton Park, Speke Parklands, Spellow Community Hub and Library, Toxteth, Wavertree, and West Derby. Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, emphasized the unique role libraries play: “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.”
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