Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many public libraries have closed (1) in 2024, (2) in 2025, and (3) to date in 2026.

Arts Council England (ACE) collects and publishes data on library closures, openings and relocations in its annual English Public Libraries Location Dataset. The dataset can be found at the following link: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/supporting-arts-museums-and-libraries/supporting-libraries

Based upon this data set for 2024 DCMS estimates the number of static libraries that permanently closed (and were not replaced by or relocated to a new static library) in England in 2024 was 17. The 2025 basic library dataset is expected to be published later this year and the 2026 dataset in due course.

The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 requires all local authorities in England to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service, however decisions about library services are a matter for local library authorities. They are responsible for assessing the needs of their local communities and designing a library service to meet those needs within available resources.

Public libraries are funded through the Local Government Finance Settlement, the majority of which, including for libraries, is unringfenced, recognising that local leaders are best placed to identify local priorities.

In January 2026, the Secretary of State announced a further £27.5 million for Libraries Improvement Fund which supports public libraries to upgrade their buildings and technology to meet changing needs to better serve their communities.

The government will be publishing a new strategy for public libraries in England later this year.