Community rallies behind petition
The battle for the future of Suffolk's libraries has intensified as more than 4,200 residents have signed a petition opposing Suffolk County Council's proposal to bring the library service back under direct council control.
The petition, started by Lesley Dolphin, a Director at East of England Co-Op, urges the council to reconsider its decision to end its 12-year partnership with Suffolk Libraries, the charity that has managed the county's 45 libraries since 2012. The council is set to make a formal decision on the takeover at a Cabinet meeting on 18 March.
"For the last 12 years our libraries have been successfully run by a charity with Suffolk County Council's financial support funding just part of the service. But they are now under threat following a proposed move by the Council," Dolphin writes in the petition.
"A bolt from the blue"
The controversy erupted on 25 February when Suffolk County Council announced plans to resume direct control of libraries from 1 June 2025, a move described by Suffolk Libraries Chief Executive Bruce Leeke as "a bolt from the blue" and "a staggeringly short-sighted decision."
According to people close to the organisation, the charity model has transformed local libraries into "true community hubs offering a wide range of services, particularly relied on by families, children and some of the more vulnerable members of our community."
The petition claims the service now costs £3 million less than it did in 2011 while offering expanded services. It also cites independent research suggesting that under charity management, Suffolk's libraries generate £41 million worth of social value, "translating to £6 social value for every £1 invested and saving NHS services in Suffolk an amazing £542,000 every year."
Residents speak out
Local residents have expressed strong support for the current library management.
One library user, Jo Dixon, said: "Suffolk Libraries have done an amazing job since they were created. They constantly innovate, providing a model of community service and a lifeline for many young families. They have an enviable stock of both physical and E books plus E magazines and subscriptions and always welcome suggestions for new items. A well used, much loved and truly responsive and democratic service."
Mark Pearson expressed concern about funding implications: "There is a strong business model in place using Suffolk Libraries Charity, which attracts additional funding and grants. Bringing control to Suffolk County Council will mean the funding will come from higher council tax. Our libraries provide an excellent and part to our communities, young, old and special needs alike. This is an ill thought through move by the council with no future plan publicised."
While Ethan Chattets expressed frustration over the council's communication and questioned the savings quoted in their media statements: "It's disgusting the lack of communication that was given to the public from SCC about the change in service and the lies about spending."
Council defends proposed takeover
However, Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for environment, communities and equality, defended the council's position in a video statement, urging residents not to sign the petition.
"If you want all 45 libraries to keep their opening hours the same, if you want to give long-term security to frontline library staff, and if you support further investments in the Suffolk library service, please don't sign Suffolk Libraries' petition," he said.
Faircloth-Mutton cited "serious concerns" over "both the strategic direction and the financial management of Suffolk Libraries," claiming the charity had demanded more money on top of a £720,000 permanent uplift agreed for 2024-25, alongside a permanent 30% cut in library opening hours to save a further £600,000.
He also criticised the charity's management costs, which he said "according to their own figures already account for 33% of the total staffing budget."
The council has pledged to invest £200,000 in replacing Suffolk's ageing mobile libraries and a further £157,000 for new books and computer equipment if the takeover proceeds.
Concerns about council management
Many residents remain unconvinced. Bernadette Shrubshall expressed concern about the council's approach: "I am extremely concerned at the rushed announcement of Suffolk County Council intending to take over the library service without giving detailed costings on how they will provide an identical comprehensive service."
Anna Tink added: "Suffolk Libraries have done a great job of running our static and mobile libraries for the last 12 years, providing so much vital support in our communities. Suffolk County Council give me no confidence in being able to maintain this, both with the prospect of devolution on the horizon, and in the appalling way they have handled the announcement of their intentions."
Race against time
The petition also raises concerns about the potential impact of devolution on library services if they are returned to council control: "Even more worryingly, it's common knowledge that the Council might be swept away in a couple of years should devolution come in. How can we trust the Council with our libraries if they are prepared to risk their future against this backdrop?"
With the crucial Cabinet vote just over two weeks away, campaigners are urging more residents to sign the petition and contact their local councillors to express their support for maintaining the current charitable model of library provision in Suffolk.
"This is urgent," the petition states. "The Council will be voting on this move on March 18th. So we need your support NOW. Please urge all your friends and family to sign too as every sign up makes our voice stronger."
Residents can sign the petition here.
