Psychologist hits back at library closures across the UK with nearly 200 shut in the past five years

A PSYCHOLOGIST has hit back at the pace of library closures across the UK with nearly 200  shut in the past five years.

Britain is losing libraries at a rate of about 40 each year – a loss of “safe and inclusive spaces”, according to the expert..

The latest in the raft of closures is Brighton and Hove City Council's (BHCC) proposal to close Hollingbury, Rottingdean and Westdene libraries.

Rottingdean Library was the sixth most visited library out of 13 in Brighton and Hove with nearly 29,000 visitors per year, but has still been earmarked for closure.

Closing the library, which is based in the 17th Century Grange building, would save BHCC £25,000 per year.

Dr Marianne Trent, Clinical Psychologist at Good Thinking Psychological Services, said libraries are extremely important.

She said: "Libraries are far more than places to borrow books – they are vital community hubs. Many run rhyme time sessions for young children, reducing isolation for parents and supporting early development. For older people, a chat with a librarian may be their only social contact that day. 

"As a clinical psychologist, I’ve also used library rooms for NHS therapy, bringing treatment into communities, reducing waits, and tackling stigma. On a personal note, I still visit weekly with my children to role model reading, cut down on screen time, and enjoy one of life’s greatest pleasures. 

"Libraries remove cost as a barrier, making reading and learning accessible to all. When libraries close, we don’t just lose books – we lose safe, inclusive spaces that support wellbeing across the lifespan."

Clive Bonny, MD at Strategic Management Partners, who lives in Brighton, said he has been shocked by the proposal to close Rottingdean.

He said: "Rottingdean Library in Brighton is planned for closure yet has very high use, around 28,000 visitors a year. Our local students achieve 96% national reading standards compared to 73% national average. Our standards in writing are 15% above national average. 

"Reading and writing skills are essential for future employment and library closures will create further long term unemployment. The closure of cultural and social use library centres will also reduce Brighton’s attraction for new extra creative industry startups and extra ratepaying revenues and new jobs opportunities from these potential high growth enterprises.

“In summary the BHCC library closure strategy to save just £25,000 a year will create massive extra ongoing community costs, education outcome reductions, with high social and cultural negative impacts.”

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries, at Brighton and Hove City Council, defended the library closures.

He said: “We’re keen to hear views and ideas on how we may be able to protect the libraries vulnerable to closure. We are working proactively with local communities to explore alternative operating models.

“Libraries play a crucial role as learning, community and social spaces in Brighton & Hove, and we’re incredibly proud of our city’s libraries.  

“The proposals we’re consulting on are designed make sure we can protect library services where they are most needed, while also helping us make the savings necessary to make the council financially sustainable and deliver essential services for our residents. 

“We considered a number of factors when looking at the libraries proposed for closure, based on their use and the needs of the communities in the areas they serve. This included an analysis based on economic activity and receipt of benefits and free school meals to prioritise areas in most need, as well as each library’s usage, the proximity of alternative community libraries and the operational costs.  

“While budgets mean our options are limited, it’s important to note no decisions have been made yet.

“We want to continue the creative approach to library provision, for example introducing our Libraries Extra service to extend opening hours and improve access while reducing costs.”