The plan, published as Plymouth Libraries celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2026, aims to recognise the service's history while adapting to the changing needs of residents. While books and reading remain central, the strategy addresses social, technological, and financial shifts impacting how people access information and public services.
Libraries are set to expand their role beyond traditional lending, offering increased opportunities for residents to access health and wellbeing support, improve digital skills, and connect with local services. They already host wellbeing programmes, digital inclusion support, community activities, and learning opportunities.
The Future Libraries Plan prioritises four key areas: library services, health and wellbeing, skills and digital inclusion, and customer services. This approach aims to make libraries more relevant to modern life, tackle inequalities, support lifelong learning, and improve resident access to trusted services.
The plan also supports the council's commitment to increasing library opening hours. Councillor Tess Blight, Cabinet Member for Libraries, stated that libraries are evolving into trusted community spaces for digital support, health and wellbeing, skills development, and connecting with vital services. She emphasised that the plan ensures libraries remain vibrant and sustainable community assets.
Following engagement with residents, library users, and staff, and considering national research, the plan provides a roadmap for Plymouth's 11 libraries and its digital offer to combat digital exclusion, improve health outcomes, promote literacy, and bring services closer to residents.
