Libraries

Suffolk Libraries contract to run the library service will end on 31 May and the library service will transfer back to Suffolk County Council. All libraries, their opening hours, services and facilities will be running as normal from 1 June* so customers shouldn’t notice much difference in their library experience.

*Please note that Oulton Broad Library will temporarily be closed due to pre-planned improvement work from Tuesday 27 May until Thursday 12 June.

The decision was taken by Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet on 18 March 2025 to bring the library service in-house. The current library contract ends on 31 May 2025 and, following an unsuccessful procurement process, the decision was taken to bring the service in-house under the management of the county council. As part of this move, the council has committed to:

• Keep all 45 libraries open
• Maintain opening hours
• Protect customer facing library services
• Secure a sustainable future for Suffolk’s library services

Yes. You may notice some things looking a little different such as our logo, website and email addresses but everything else will remain the same. We know and understand how vital our local libraries and the services they offer are for everyone in Suffolk.

We appreciate your patience and kindness whilst the management of the libraries moves over to Suffolk County Council, however in time we would really value your thoughts and opinions to ensure that Suffolk Community Libraries can continue to offer fantastic services, support and opportunities throughout the county. Feedback can be shared with us at any time via our new email library.help@suffolk.gov.uk and we will be offering the opportunity for residents to provide feedback in our local sites across Suffolk.

Libraries have long been at the heart of Suffolk’s communities. They are essential spaces for learning, connection, and support, and the council is committed to ensuring they remain hubs that bring people together. The focus is on building upon the excellent services already provided, strengthening libraries' role as trusted local resources that meet the evolving needs of residents. The goal is to ensure library services continue to meet the evolving needs of the community and we will not be taking away services that local people are currently accessing and benefitting from.

In addition to continuing its core library services, the council is investing £200,000 in mobile libraries, with a further £157,000 for new books and to replace public computers in libraries across Suffolk.

Suffolk County Council really value and appreciate all the staff and volunteers working for Suffolk Libraries.

As we transition the library service back under council control, Suffolk County Council remain fully committed to working with staff and volunteers. Their invaluable contributions will continue to play a central role in the future of libraries in Suffolk.

The local library social media accounts will remain the same, albeit with a slightly different look and feel from 1 June.

We have a new website and central social media accounts which will all be live from 1 June 2025.

For regular updates follow Suffolk Community Libraries on Facebook, X and Instagram. The new Suffolk Community Libraries website will be up and running from the 1 June 2025.

Suffolk Community Libraries will be owned and managed by Suffolk County Council from 1 June. From this date onwards you will begin to notice a few changes to the way libraries and promotional materials are branded but don’t panic – everything else will remain the same.