Hexham library is set to keep a prominent role in Northumberland’s revised library-service plans, with the town designated as a “hub” library offering 43 staffed hours a week, Saturday opening and on-site customer services.

The revised model follows a public consultation that attracted responses from 5,801 residents, staff and community groups. It comes after opposition to earlier proposals for reduced opening hours at other libraries, including Prudhoe, where the proposed staffed provision had been due to fall from 43 to 28 hours a week.

What the revised plans mean for Hexham

Northumberland County Council’s new model places Hexham alongside Prudhoe as one of eight hub libraries in the county. The others are Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick, Blyth, Cramlington and Morpeth.

For Hexham residents, hub status means the library is planned to provide 43 staffed hours each week, including Saturday opening. The plans also provide for customer services to be available on site.

The council says the wider review is intended to modernise library provision, meet its legal duties under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 and contribute to savings of £344,000 set out in its Medium Term Financial Plan.

Changes proposed elsewhere in the county

The revised structure would divide Northumberland’s other libraries between several service levels:

  • Haltwhistle and Ponteland would be “primary” libraries, open for 30 staffed hours a week, including Saturdays.
  • Allendale, Bellingham and Wylam would be “secondary” libraries, with 12 staffed hours and access to more council services.
  • Haydon Bridge and Heddon would continue as community-led libraries supported by volunteers.
  • Kielder, one of the county’s most remote locations, would receive an automated bookcase.

Hexham MP Joe Morris welcomed the decision to rethink the proposed cuts but said concerns remained about services elsewhere, particularly in rural communities. He specifically identified questions about provision in Kielder and Corbridge, where he said library services were especially important.

“I welcome the County Council's decision to rethink proposed cuts to Northumberland's library services. Alongside local councillors Rachel Mathieson, Lawrence O'Donnell and Angie Scott, I've been proud to support the thousands of residents who spoke out against these plans.”

Mr Morris said the consultation responses had highlighted the role of libraries in providing learning, digital access and support. He added that he would continue working with Northumberland County Council before final decisions were made in September.

Cabinet decision still to come

The proposals were discussed by the council’s Community and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on July 27. They will now go to Cabinet for a final decision.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said there would be no compulsory redundancies and rejected claims that the council had performed a U-turn. He said the review had been one of the most comprehensive consultations carried out by the authority.

“We set out to modernise our library service, reflect changing demand patterns and create fair provision right across Northumberland,”

said cabinet member for finance Cllr Nick Oliver, who also pointed to the council’s financial pressures and a government funding settlement of around £3m for the following year.

The revised plans mean Hexham is expected to retain the highest service classification in the proposed countywide model. However, the arrangements are not final until Cabinet has considered them.