Strike action hits public libraries

Public library staff across Catalonia are observing a one-day strike on Friday 16 October 2026, suspending services and holding coordinated protests in Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. The industrial action is part of an ongoing campaign by library workers to demand improved working conditions and greater investment in public library services. The strike, called by the union-backed collectives Biblioteques en Lluita and the CGT’s Coordinadora Sectorial de Biblioteques, follows a previous strike on 18 September and forms part of a planned calendar of four strike days running through to December.

Protests held at 11:00 in four cities

Simultaneous gatherings took place at 11:00 at key government sites:

  • In Barcelona, at Plaça de Sant Jaume, outside the City Hall and the regional government’s local offices
  • In Girona, outside the Generalitat’s offices at Plaça de Pompeu Fabra
  • In Lleida, outside the Territorial Services of Culture on Rambla d’Aragó
  • In Tarragona, outside the Territorial Services of Culture on Carrer Major

The Barcelona protest was organised by the advocacy group Defensem Biblios BCN, which called for public support and hinted at “surprises” during the demonstration, though details were not disclosed in advance.

Workers demand better staffing, pay and safety

Library staff are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of working conditions, citing chronic understaffing, excessive workloads and outdated regulations. Key demands include:

  • Increased staffing levels and reduced reliance on temporary contracts
  • Improved pay scales reflecting professional responsibilities
  • Better working hours and work-life balance
  • Recognition of professional categories
  • Updated protocols to address incidents of violence in library spaces
  • Revision of the current legal framework, particularly Decree 124/1999, which governs public reading services and is seen as outdated

Workers argue that the quality of public service depends directly on fair working conditions, and point to the emotional and physical strain caused by under-resourcing.

Behind high citizen satisfaction ratings lies an unsustainable reality marked by lack of resources, job insecurity, and physical and mental exhaustion among staff.

The collectives also demand a revision of the Public Reading Map to reflect real demographic and socio-cultural needs, and greater institutional responsibility shared between the Generalitat, provincial councils and municipalities through binding agreements.

What this means for users

Library services across Catalonia may be reduced or suspended today due to the strike. Users are advised to check with their local library or visit the Generalitat’s strike information portal for details on minimum services maintained during industrial action. Further strike days are scheduled for 13 November and 11 December 2026, as part of the ongoing campaign by library workers to secure a sector-wide agreement and long-term improvements.

More Barcelona coverage on Barna.News: Supermarket Staff to Strike on 24 and 31 December and Groundforce Staff Resume Indefinite Strike at Barcelona Airport.

Primary sources: treball.gencat.cat, cultura.gencat.cat, Departament de Governació i Administracions Públiques, ics.gencat.cat, cugat.cat. Reported by gerio.cat, cgt-sapb.cat, Llibertat.cat, cgtcatalunya.cat, catalunyapress.cat, 3cat.cat, laciutat.cat, rtve.es, publico.es.