Save Breck Road & Dovecot Libraries – Keep Lifelines Open in Our Community!

To: Liverpool City Council

We, the undersigned, call on Liverpool City Council to secure the future of Breck Road and Dovecot Community Libraries. These branches, located in some of the city’s most deprived areas, play a vital role in supporting families, seniors, jobseekers, and learners of all ages.

Why these libraries are indispensable:

Free access to books and learning: In neighbourhoods where over 30% of children lack a book of their own, local libraries are literally gateways to literacy, discovery, and imagination – especially for families unable to afford books.

Community hubs: Beyond lending books, these libraries host essential services - story sessions, internet access, career support, and social hubs - offering warmth, connection, and opportunity to those who need it most.

Preventing cultural poverty: Closing two branches in North Liverpool risks creating a "cultural wasteland" These facilities symbolise hope, belonging, and cultural continuity in areas struggling with deprivation.

People power wins: In past campaigns, grassroots action - including a 10,000-signature petition - has made real impact. We urge the Council to recognise that community engagement should guide library futures - not financial issues

Local schools and support organisations using our library spaces play a vital role in strengthening communities. Libraries offer accessible, neutral spaces where students can learn, families can connect with resources, and support services can reach those in need. By hosting educational programs, tutoring, job training, and community events, libraries become more than just places for books - they become hubs of opportunity, equity, and social support. This collaboration fosters lifelong learning and builds stronger, more resilient communities.

Our Demands: Guarantee the ongoing operation of Breck Road and Dovecot Libraries, safeguarding full opening hours and access.
Invest in community-run programming, ensuring these libraries evolve into sustainable hubs tailored to local needs - Homework clubs, digital training, wellbeing sessions, employment assistance.
Recognise libraries as essential services, not luxury amenities. In Liverpool’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, they are critical infrastructure, balancing inequality and uniting people.
 
Your signature affirms that public libraries are not optional extras - they are life-enhancing institutions that enrich our city, empower youth, support the vulnerable, and strengthen communities.

Let’s honour Liverpool’s proud cultural heritage by keeping Breck Road and Dovecot libraries open -and thriving - for generations to come.