Sunday library closures have been scrapped across Herts after public feedback convinced councillors to rethink the proposals.
Hertfordshire County Council had planned to end Sunday opening at six of its largest libraries as part of cost-saving measures.
The affected libraries included Welwyn Garden City, Watford, St Albans, Stevenage, Bishop’s Stortford and Hemel Hempstead.
However, following a public consultation and strong community opposition, the council will now keep all six libraries open on Sundays.
Chris Lucas, executive member for resources and performance at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "We are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation.
"Residents made it clear that they valued being able to visit the library on a Sunday for a wide variety of reasons and we are keen to ensure that our libraries continue to be safe, accessible and inclusive spaces for as many people as possible."
Instead of Sunday closures, the council will reduce opening hours on one weekday morning at each of the libraries.
This adjustment is intended to protect Sunday access, which many library users said was essential due to work and school commitments, limited access to quiet spaces, and feelings of isolation.
Mr Lucas acknowledged the council still faced financial pressures and would need to make savings through the revised weekday reductions.
He continued: "While this will still impact some library users, we will look to target these reductions to limit the impact and make sure people can still visit the library at the times they said were most important to them."
The council estimates that the revised plan will achieve similar savings to the original Sunday closure proposal, totalling around £129,000.
This forms part of a broader savings target of £654,000 for library services as outlined in the council’s 2026/27 budget.
The changes are just one aspect of the council’s ongoing efforts to manage financial challenges while maintaining essential services.
A statemented by the county council added: "We are working to build a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire, as we deliver hundreds of services to the 1.2million people who live in the county.
"Above all, we want to be a council that Hertfordshire’s people recognise as being on their side.
"We want to create a county where every resident thrives and achieves their aspirations, where economic growth, innovation and industry are supported, and our environment is protected for future generations."
To find out more about our the council's priorities and commitments to its residents visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/corporateplan
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