Nottingham City Council Leader, Councillor Neghat Khan, gave an update at Full Council on Monday 14 July on the future of Sherwood Library. You can read her full statement below:
“Let me say clearly: I share the frustration of local people who want and deserve their library to be open. Residents have waited far too long, and I completely understand why hundreds have signed the petition calling for answers and action.
“As has been previously outlined, we’ve encountered a number of significant issues with the building’s condition, including concerns around safety and construction standards, that have stopped us from being able to open the library to the public.
“Because of these serious matters, we are now actively considering all legal options available to us. As you would expect, I have to be careful with what I say in public, to avoid saying anything that might affect the Council’s legal position. But I want to be absolutely clear: we are determined to get what was promised — a safe, usable library for Sherwood — and we will not allow the people of Nottingham to be left to pick up the bill for someone else’s failure.
“I have now taken personal responsibility for overseeing this process and have asked for regular updates from officers. We are working hard to make sure the interests of both taxpayers and the Sherwood community are fully protected.
“But I also know that residents are rightly asking what can be done in the meantime. That’s why I’m committing today to work with Councillor Williams and the Sherwood ward councillors to explore all possible options for restoring some form of library service in the area, even while we resolve the issues with the building. That includes temporary or alternative locations if they can be made to work.
“Libraries matter. They’re about more than books — they’re spaces for learning, community, and opportunity. Nottingham Labour has stood by libraries across the city — keeping them open and investing in them when others have chosen cuts. And we will stand by Sherwood too.”