West Sussex libraries to close for three days during system upgrade

All public libraries across West Sussex, including Worthing Library, will close for three days later this month to allow an essential system changeover, West Sussex County Council has confirmed. The closures will affect all 36 libraries as well as the county’s eLibrary service from Sunday 19 January until Tuesday 21 January 2026.

The council said the temporary shutdown is required so staff can install and test a new online management system designed to support library services used by thousands of residents each day. Libraries are due to reopen to customers, both online and in person, on Thursday 22 January once checks are completed.

During the closure period, customers will be unable to place reservations from Monday 12 January, and the library app and website will be unavailable from the end of Friday 16 January. Previously downloaded eLibrary content can still be accessed, but no new digital loans will be issued, and no overdue fines will be applied while the system upgrade is underway.