31 WH228
The pressure is not evenly distributed either. The same dataset says 7% of libraries in the most deprived areas have closed since 2016, compared with 3% in the least deprived. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Annual
Libraries Report 2024 to 2025 describes libraries as places that support local groups, provide business advice, and offer welcoming space for parents, students and older residents. Once a branch closes, a community does not only lose shelving and study desks, it loses a physical setting for reading, digital access, homework support, quiet work and local connection. If towns have lost their library provision, and councils still
service, what is the quickest, realistic route to putting usable library space back into the community? A replacement library does not need to begin as a landmark
The public library has long been one of the few genuinely open civic spaces. Free to enter, useful to almost everyone, and woven into the daily life of a neighbourhood. But across the UK, that presence is quietly disappearing. Funding cuts and rising costs have forced councils to close branches, reduce hours and scale back services, often in the communities that rely on them most.
there has been a net loss of 183 static libraries in the UK since 2016, while council spending on public libraries fell by 47% in real terms between 2009/10 and 2022/23.
civic building to be useful. It needs to work. That means a library building should be able to support open-plan reading and borrowing areas, quiet study space, staff facilities, toilets, digital access points and room for local activities or small group sessions. For some locations, it may also need children’s alongside other community services.
if demand grows, or hired on an interim basis while longer estate decisions are worked through. That adaptability matters approach.
www.portakabin.com/gb-en
architecture, building, contracting & developing
The online resource for building and construction professionals
Buildingtalk is a major online resource for building and construction professionals. For over a decade, as well as case studies, brochure downloads and videos from suppliers across the industry, plus free weekly news and product email updates.
Buildingtalk, also the home of ABC&D and PSB magazines, provides easy access to social media including X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, features regular guest articles and the latest from industry events.
www.buildingtalk.com
news@buildingtalk.com
www.twitter.com/buildingtalk
www.linkedin.com/company/koru-media-limited
ABC&D General Info Ad
QPV.indd 1
Buildingtalk House Ad
QPV.indd 1 16/04/2024 17:02
https://buildingtalk.com/subscribe/ Subscribe here
Myson discusses the energy saving benefi ts of renovating heating systems – P14
ABC&D December 2025
Cover.indd 1 28/11/2025 17:23 28/11/2025 17:23
In print and online, ABC&D reaches over 50,000 architects and building industry specifi ers, helping them stay up-to-date with the latest products, services developments and news.
architecture, building, contracting & developing March 2026
Editorial features cover a broad range of subjects from interior design and energy effi ciency to roofi ng, doors, windows and insulation.
ECLISSE: Transforming Interiors with Innovative Door Solutions – P30
ABC&D March 2026
Cover.ABC&D March 2026
Cover.inddindd 1 27/02/2026 14:43
architecture, building, contracting & developing December 2025
17/06/2026 16:21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
