Our valued Rottingdean Library, a beloved institution and a vital part of our community, is threatened with closure as Brighton and Hove City Council declare the closure of up to three libraries amidst budget cuts between 2025 and 2027. The closures will be based on levels of usage, with data analysis taking place now until end of July 2025, making it imperative that you sign up, regularly borrow books, and attend events within the library. Please gain membership via https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/libraries/register-library-card-online 

Our voices speak on behalf of generations. It was four decades ago when my mother-in-law campaigned successfully to keep the children’s section of the library open. If it weren't for her efforts, my son might not have discovered the transformative magic of literature and I would never have encountered some incredible friendships that shaped my life in the early days of parenting. As a first-time mother, the library offered me a quiet haven, outside of the home, where I could teach my son about reading, and sharing!

The Rottingdean Library is more than just a place to borrow books. It is a thriving hub that enriches the lives of our children and our community. Children learn to cherish the love of learning in this unique environment, they draw, they play jigsaws, they grow in imagination and knowledge. The library hosts a well attended monthly storytime, which began just a year ago in response to local demand. It is an immensely valued resource, ideally situated between schools and nurseries. It is well-utilized by parents, carers and educational institutions.

The library is a generational space where young and old come together, united by their love of reading and learning. In an era where isolation is a growing concern, especially among first time parents and seniors, the library offers a welcoming environment for conversation, connection, and shared experiences. Storytime sessions, book clubs, and reading programs foster meaningful interactions, strengthening community bonds and creating a sense of belonging for all. In this shared space, books become more than just stories—they become a means of building relationships and combating loneliness.

The potential closure of the Rottingdean Library also threatens the existence of The Grange Gallery, Museum and Tea Room, not to mention Gertrude’s. The gallery is a cherished space within Rottingdean, showcasing local artists and providing a space for people to share their love of art. The history of the building and the love and care taken in the beautiful gardens is unrivalled. It simply is an asset to our village, something that cannot be lost!

Let us stand together to prevent the closure of Rottingdean Library and guarantee that the whole building continues to ignite curiosity and foster a love of reading, art and history for future generations just as it has done for the decades before. Please sign this petition and extend your support in keeping this cherished institution alive.

Follow our journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/save_our_library?igsh=bmx5cno4YWh6MzF6&utm_source=qr