Petition to save Langley and Cippenham libraries fetches hundreds of signatures

A petition to save Cippenham and Langley libraries has fetched more than 740 signatures online - with the number rising by two hundred in the past two days.

The council has been controversially considering the closures, with members of the administration saying last month that they were 'not fit for purpose.'

Cippenham and Langley libraries are two of four libraries run by Slough Borough Council.

There is a consultation underway on changes to their service, as part of cost-cutting measures by the council.

A cabinet meeting in December heard that footfall at the libraries had taken a drastic nosedive in the past two years.

Cippenham Library has suffered a 75 per cent reduction in use and Langley Library had dropped 65 per cent since cuts to opening hours in 2022.

Deputy leader of the council, Councillor Wal Chahal, claimed that a 'shambolic' consultation in 2021, which prompted library cuts, had caused them to 'die on the vine', leading to their current situation.

Closing Cippenham and Langley libraries would save it£195,000, according to Slough council - much needed in its current financial state.

However, there remain those on the council who are staunchly in favour of saving the libraries, across the political spectrum.

Labour and Conservative councillors have voiced their concerns at the cabinet meeting, and on Sunday (January 5), Lib Dem councillor Frank O'Kelly (Cippenham Village) trudged through snow and rain to deliver a call to save the libraries door to door.

“Libraries are not just for borrowing books, they have evolved into lively community centres. They can be a key support to young, old & vulnerable residents. They can help mothers & the unemployed. If we lose a library, it is gone forever," he said.

There is also a petition, running until mid-March, ‘strongly opposing’ any proposal to close the libraries. The petition text reads:

“Libraries help to promote reading from a young age, they can connect with others who share similar interests, and develop social skills like communication, empathy, and collaboration.

“Libraries can help children develop lifelong skills, and can be a place for independent learning and personal and social development.

“Children can connect with others who share similar interests, and develop social skills like communication, empathy, and collaboration.”

The petition highlighted some ‘key benefits’ including:

• pre-literacy skills including speech, language and communication development • mental health support for adults and children • reducing social isolation and creating networks / friendships • access to information, skills development and learning for adults • not all of us have the same access and funds for the internet, computers, and printing.

As such, the petition urges the council to dismiss the proposal to ‘maintain library services in Britwell and The Curve and close Cippenham and Langley library buildings.’

View the petition at tinyurl.com/az2b3adb

A spokesperson for Slough council said:

“There continues to be an open consultation around proposals on the future of library services.

“We urge residents to have their say in this way, either through the online survey, or by visiting an in-person or online session.

“Feedback will be considered after the consultation closes on 25 February and a report will then be brought back to Cabinet, before any final decisions are made. Please visit the consultation webpage at

https://slough.citizenspace.com/libraries/slough-library-service-public-consultation/ to find out more about having your say.”