Founder of Bradford book charity says library cuts are sad

The woman behind a Bradford charity has described planned cuts to library hours as “sad”.

Bradford Council plans to cut £175,000 from library services, meaning the 10 council-run sites in the borough would cut opening hours by up to 15%

Jan Winter, who set up Canterbury Imagination Library, said: “It’s always sad to see any cuts to library services as access to free books in a safe space is so important to developing a love of reading.”

Bradford Libraries manager Christine May said the changes would make savings and have “less impact” on statutory services.

At a meeting of the council’s executive on Wednesday afternoon, members voted to go ahead with the proposals, with consultations soon to begin on the reduced hours.

The report to members acknowledged the changes could lead to redundancies.

They say the cuts could lead to libraries closing early or opening late on some days – or closing for an hour at lunchtime.

Mrs Winter, whose charity provides children in some of Bradford’s poorest areas with free books, said parents were doing their children good by using libraries.

“The new government says it is focusing on the importance of the early years and I hope there could be more funding for young children, including improved access to high quality experiences in their local libraries,” she added.

Another cut will see the council end its policy of providing national newspapers in libraries, which is expected to save £11,000 each year.

Officers assured councilors at the meeting that volunteer-run libraries in the borough, as well as “hybrid” libraries which are run by a mix of council staff and volunteers, would not be affected.