Legal information

Suffolk’s Libraries Industrial and Provident Society Limited is our formally registered name. We call ourselves Suffolk Libraries.

We are an Industrial and Provident Society, a not for profit, independent and charitable organisation set up in August 2012 to run the service for the benefit of the people of Suffolk. Following the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, such societies are now generally referred to as ‘Registered Societies’.

All libraries in Suffolk are run by Suffolk Libraries. We're contracted by Suffolk County Council to run the service.

Our membership is drawn from member organisations, community groups made up of people who want to support their library and have a say in how they are run. Each library in Suffolk works with local people to develop these member organisations.

We run a supporters' scheme, Suffolk Libraries Extra. Individuals and local businesses can make an annual donation if they would like to get more involved and enhance the service we provide. All members of Suffolk Libraries Extra get a membership card and special newsletter, while those who sign up at Platinum level can attend our AGM and are acknowledged in our annual review.

Member organisations elect our board.