Libraries Connected is pleased to report we have submitted written evidence to the newly formed Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion.

The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion is a non-partisan, time-limited organisation that seeks to understand and answer questions about how we live together in an increasingly multi-ethnic and multi-faith democracy. The Commission plans to engage communities across the country to understand ways of enhancing community connectedness, cohesion and resilience.

At Libraries Connected we believe that public libraries are and should remain central to efforts at community cohesion. Libraries have a unique place in our communities. They are free, safe, universal spaces, often in prominent locations, with strong links to local civic and voluntary organisations. As one of the few public spaces left that are universal, open to all and free, they have particular potential to bring local people together and make connections.

Public libraries naturally encourage social contact across socioeconomic and demographic groups. On any given day a public library may welcome new parents attending a “rhyme time”, teenagers studying for exams, older people joining a book group, recently arrived refugees seeking support or entrepreneurs researching funding. Libraries have also proven themselves vital to the success of the ‘Warm Welcome’ campaign. Two thirds now acting as ‘warm spaces’ helping vulnerable people through the very worst of the cost-of-living crisis. 

It is clear that public libraries are already ideally positioned to play a major part in the work of the Commission. However, for libraries to continue supporting community cohesion, and for that role to develop in line with a new national strategy, they must be funded adequately. In total, net expenditure by local authorities on public libraries fell by almost half in real terms between 2009-10 and 2022-23. Most concerningly, given the strong negative correlation between deprivation and cohesion, there is evidence that poorer areas are disproportionately affected by library cuts and closures. Across the UK 7% of libraries in the most deprived decile have been closed since 2016 compared to 3% of libraries in the least deprived.

Libraries Connected welcomes this new Commission and seeks to assist it in any way possible – for example, by facilitating library visits. Our full statement of evidence to the Commission can be downloaded and read below.