As part of the wider savings programme, we are consulting on a proposal to withdraw the Performing Arts Service provided by Hertfordshire Libraries.
This consultation is now closed.
Consultation start date: Friday 6 March 2026
Consultation closing date: Tuesday 5 May 2026 (11.45pm)
We are committed to delivering a modern, accessible and financially sustainable library service that meets the needs of residents across the county. Our libraries support reading, learning, culture, digital inclusion, health and wellbeing, and provide trusted community spaces.
Like councils across the UK, Hertfordshire faces significant financial pressures due to rising costs, increased demand for essential services, and the impact of national funding changes. The Government’s Fair Funding Review has created a substantial funding gap that we are required to address.
Why we consulted
The Council must take responsible steps to manage its budget while continuing to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” library service as required by law.
Withdrawing the Performing Arts Service would:
- contribute essential savings needed to meet the funding gap arising from the Fair Funding Review
- enable the service to continue to invest in statutory library provision.
We consulted so that residents, stakeholders and groups can tell us how this proposal may affect them.
What is being proposed
Hertfordshire County Council is proposing to withdraw the Performing Arts Service. This would include:
- ending the specialist performing arts collection as a standalone service
- ending loans of orchestral sets, vocal scores, packaged vocal sets, playsets and other specialist material currently provided by the service
- redistributing a portion of relevant materials into the general library network where appropriate and redesignation of the assets to the Hertfordshire Music Service
- exploring donation, transfer or sale options for material not required within the general library service.
No other changes to the 46 public libraries are included in this consultation.
This proposal supports:
- delivery of the Inspiring Libraries: My Place 2022–32 strategy by focusing resources on services with the highest community reach and demand
- the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and the requirement to deliver savings linked to the Fair Funding Review
- a balanced approach to difficult budget pressures while maintaining the network of 46 public libraries.
No decisions have been made – we are seeking your feedback. We will review all feedback before making any final decision.
After the consultation closed
All responses will be analysed and summarised. Findings will be presented to the Resources & Performance Cabinet Panel on 14 July 2026 enabling councillors to consider feedback alongside financial and service implications.
A final decision will be made by Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet on 15 July 2026.
Your voice matters
We recognise the cultural value of performing arts and the important role the Performing Arts Service has played for residents, community groups, schools, orchestras and performing arts organisations across Hertfordshire.
Understanding the potential impact of the withdrawal of the Performing Arts Service is essential as we work to deliver the Inspiring Libraries: My Place 2022-32 strategy in a financially sustainable way.
Your feedback helps shape future decisions.