Bornholm council approves closure of five libraries despite protests

Bornholm’s municipal council has approved a budget closing five library branches, leaving two on the island, DR reported.

The council adopted next year’s budget on Thursday evening. The closures affect libraries in Svaneke, Allinge, Aakirkeby, Hasle and Gudhjem. The remaining branches will be in the island’s two largest towns, Rønne and Nexø.

Some library users could face a drive of up to 25 kilometres to reach a branch. More than 3,300 residents signed a petition calling for the smaller libraries to be saved, and demonstrations were held outside the council chamber during both readings of the budget.

Art historian Sine Krogh, who has campaigned to keep the Svaneke library open, said the closures would have a significant impact on local communities. She also said she was disappointed that Culture Minister Zenia Stampe had not done more to address the issue after being contacted by Bornholm cultural figures.

The budget also closes two children’s centres and a drop-in centre. The library closures will save 362,000 kroner in operating costs.

Mayor Frederik Tolstrup said further cuts are likely, with the parties behind the budget already agreeing to another round of savings next year. The budget was backed by 20 of the council’s 23 members.

The budget proposals prompted protests over fears that cuts would weaken rural communities and small towns outside Rønne and Nexø.