About

About FoCCal

The Friends of Clifton Library and Centre is an unincorporated organisation with a constitution and elected volunteer committee. We hold regular meetings in the library.

History

In 2015, Bristol City Council proposed cuts to library services, but widespread protests limited the changes. Instead of closures, library hours were reduced.

But the growing threat was clear and so FoCCaL was formed, and started to build a programme of activities and events and to try to develop an income stream to prepare for the future.

In June 2017, the council announced plans to close many libraries in Bristol, including Clifton Library, in an effort to make budget cuts of £100 million.

But the community fought back. Over 80 people in Clifton submitted their views to the council during its consultation period – the most of any area of Bristol – and a petition to save the library got over 4,800 signatures – enough to force a debate in full council.

Supporters of local libraries across Bristol also fought for their libraries, with the result that the council found extra money to maintain the libraries until the next mayoral election in 2020.

The Bristol Library Strategy for 2020-2024 has now been published. You can read it here: https://bristol.gov.uk/policies-plans-strategies/bristol-library-strategy…