ePetition - Petition objecting to the proposed closure of Rottingdean Library
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ePetition details
Petition objecting to the proposed closure of Rottingdean Library
We strongly believe that the proposal to close the library is wrong.
Rottingdean Library is a well-used library with separate sections for children and teenagers.
This is important in an area that has an increasing number of families and is close to two primary schools and two nurseries. There are audio books as well as a wide range of books and groups, such as a book group, use the library as a central hub for the community. It is also the only place to go for free Wi-Fi and computer access if you do not have these facilities at home. There is support for people to use computers, printers and scanners.
We believe that closing this library would have a negative
impact on our community, especially the elderly, children and those
less advantaged. We urge you to ensure this library remains
open.
This ePetition ran from 15/07/2025 to 12/10/2025 and has now finished.
104 people signed this ePetition.
Council response
Response provided by the Cabinet Member for Sport, Recreation & Libraries at Full Council on Thursday 13 October 2025:
Thank you for bringing the petition. We understand the impact
that losing a library can have on any community. Unfortunately, as
a council we had to make some tough decisions last year when
setting the budget. One of these was to reduce the library revenue
budget. We have analysed the data on how libraries are used, the
needs of the communities, and the geographic spread of libraries in
each area. Taking a citywide approach, the proposal maintains a
statutory library service, with access to books,
spaces, wi-fi and computers still available in ten libraries across
the city, supporting the most vulnerable members of the
communities.
Three libraries were identified for potential closure, alongside
a reduction in evening and weekend hours at Jubilee and Hove
Library. We are aware that each library, including Rottingdean, are
used by families and children and are valued as community hubs. A
12-week consultation closed on Friday, October 10th, last Friday,
and the feedback gathered through the survey and the public
meetings will now support the cabinet making the final decision to
in regard to the library savings on Thursday the 12th of
December. Your petition will be noted and added to this feedback.
Thank you again.