'We're definitely not shutting any libraries', council leader pledges

REFORM SAYS IT'S ON SAME PAGE AS PREVIOUS TORY-LED COUNCIL

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN

THE Reform leader of Nottinghamshire County Council says no library will be closed across the county amidst the authority's summer plans of identifying savings.

Nottinghamshire’s libraries have been run and operated by the organisation Inspire since 2016, with a total of 60 across the county. Back in December 2024, a new plan for how to run the libraries was approved by the then-Conservative led authority, which included a 12-point action plan to enhance the service by using technology, investment into buildings and increased staff training.

It set out to maintain the split of libraries into three ‘tier’ categories to help organise the network and give the best value for money.

At that point also, the council had invested over £30 million into library buildings and technology to modernise and enhance services over the recent decade.

The previous Conservative administration said it boasted a ‘proud track record’ of protecting and never closing a library during its time. It invested over £700,000 in Stapleford Library to refurbish the space, which involved creating three new rooms.