The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), a prestigious national charity dedicated to enhancing library standards, has expressed serious concerns regarding the potential widespread sale of library buildings. This alarm follows the government’s recent announcement of providing ‘exceptional financial support’ to 19 councils in England, a move that CILIP fears could lead to the disposal of valuable public assets, including libraries.

CILIP raises concerns over sale of library buildings

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities revealed that the support, amounting to approximately £1.5 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25, is part of an ‘Exceptional Financial Support (EFS)’ framework. However, this initiative doesn’t introduce new funding but permits councils to use capital from asset sales or borrowing to manage their operational expenses. An additional £976 million is allocated to support capitalisation requests from the preceding years.

CILIP’s interim CEO, Jo Cornish, criticised the government’s strategy, stating, “This ‘exceptional financial support’ announced by Government is in reality nothing of the sort. Instead, central Government is suggesting that cash-strapped councils should do the equivalent of using their savings (long-term investment budgets) and selling property to cover day-to-day running costs.”

Cornish highlighted the dire implications of such a policy, emphasising the risk of councils being forced to liquidate parts of their property holdings, including library buildings, to compensate for the financial deficits caused by reduced central government funding. She warned, “This is a one-way trip – once a library building is sold off, it permanently impairs the life chances and property values of local residents. It’s a one-way deal and very much like using the credit card to pay the mortgage.”

Launching the Libraries at Risk Monitor

Amid growing apprehension about the potential downsizing or closure of library services, CILIP has initiated the ‘Libraries at Risk Monitor‘. This tool is an up-to-date map showcasing proposed modifications to library services across the UK, indicating instances where CILIP and their Scottish counterpart are actively seeking to influence positive outcomes for communities and taxpayers.

Read: CILIP launches Libraries at Risk Monitor to protect UK’s public libraries

The call to action is clear, with CILIP urging the central government to collaborate with councils to ensure the provision of long-term, sustainable investment to safeguard local services, including the vital public library services that communities across the UK rely on.