Bradford Libraries: Views sought on plans to reduce opening hours

A public consultation has been launched into plans to reduce Bradford’s library opening hours – the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures.

Bradford Council wants to save £175,000 on public library running costs next year and is seeking views on proposals to reduce opening hours by around 15%.

The service has already been withdrawn in recent years, despite concerns from campaigners and workers, with volunteers now running most of the previously council-run public libraries.

Councilor Sarah Ferriby said the authority did not want to make cuts but faced “difficult decisions” as it sought to make savings.

A union warned last week of the risk of redundancies if the library budget was cut, with the council saying it would seek to “minimize staff redundancies where possible”.

In its consultation, the council says previous changes to opening hours have been based on “usage data” and reallocating resources at peak times.

The council said its “difficult financial situation” triggered this latest review, which would allow for savings “without having to close any libraries”.

The borough’s busiest municipal library would not be affected by the current proposals, the council said.

But two options are given for each of the other nine libraries, with an average reduction of six hours per week.

Proposals include closing for an hour at lunchtime each day, or a combination of half-day closures and earlier closures on Saturdays.

Another proposal would see the council end its policy of providing national newspapers in libraries, which could save £11,000 every year.

The authority has previously assured the public that volunteer-run libraries in the district, as well as “hybrid” libraries which are run by a mix of council staff and volunteers, will not be affected.

Ms Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This consultation will enable us to make informed decisions based on the information provided by our residents who use our library services.

“I would encourage everyone of all ages to have their say on what they would like to see happen to their local library’s opening hours.”