by Hackney Socialist Party members
Library workers’ determined resistance has pushed back the Hackney Labour council’s proposed cuts to library services. This is another victory for the local community as well as the workforce. The library workers have fought many battles over the years against several rounds of cuts proposals by the council.
The latest round of attacks was announced in Autumn 2025, with Hackney council launching a public consultation to reduce opening hours in six libraries as part of severe budget cuts. It also proposed cuts in the workforce, security guards and the book stock budget.
Photo: Brian Debus
Since 2016, more than 180 council-run libraries have either closed or been handed to volunteer groups. The remaining libraries have had their hours reduced. Libraries are vital services. They are important to the residents, the most vulnerable and students. They are a vital lifeblood in our communities and need to be defended and protected.
The U-turn is a result of the backlash from the local community, staff and trade unions. That the ‘higher-than-expected funding allocation for the borough’ is being used to change course on library cuts is not an accident. With local government elections less than three months away, the Labour council is right to be worried!
Both Caroline Woodley, Labour Mayor of Hackney, and Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, have been making statements to the press saying how they listen to the communities. Cllr Kennedy said: “We are proud to have kept all of Hackney’s libraries open during years of austerity, and we are committed to keeping them at the heart of our communities. This settlement allows us to do just that for the years ahead.”
Brian Debus, recently retired library worker and long-standing Unison activist, set the record straight: “Three months ago Cllr Kennedy was only too happy to post a video, shot in Hackney libraries, promoting reducing the opening hours. This was nothing but blatant propaganda. Why did he not shoot a video challenging the government to provide more funding to maintain and develop the service? His recent statement is somewhat hypocritical in the circumstances!”
Hackney Unison welcomes the announcement, but it also stresses that the council should commit to keeping this lifeline service open, staffed and safe across the borough.
Socialist Party members in Hackney will continue to support Hackney Unison and library workers. Our members are preparing to stand in the upcoming local elections in Hackney Central and Hoxton East & Shoreditch wards.