By John Baron
Book lovers can have their say on plans to move Calverley Library to the nearby Mechanics’ Institute as Leeds City Council looks to save money.
Council chiefs have drawn up £200,000 plans to relocate the library, which has some of the lowest footfall, book borrowing and computer usage figures across the city.
The consultation, running until 26 May 2025, also says there is a backlog in maintenance required at both Calverley and Ardsley & Tingley libraries.
It added: “There are other nearby council properties which are suitable to relocate to which could also enhance the library offer. Relocation could also help to protect both the future of the library offer, and the use of those buildings by other groups.”
Opening hours will remain the same and an increase in book stock is possible with the move.
The consultation document added: “The Mechanics Insitute is on a long-term lease for the council so requires a new purpose as it is currently underutilised for significant periods.
“The Mechanics Institute’s location presents more opportunity for groups/classes/courses and activities to take place, and offers suitable space for both adults and children’s areas of the library, and for a PC/IT area.”
Councillors Peter Carlill and Craig Timmins (Labour and Co-operative, Calverley and Farsley) said they were very positive about the proposal, saying the move would safeguard the future of a library service in Calverley and an historic building which has stood in the heart of the village for 150 years.
“Since being informed of the suggestion, we have met lead officers and library staff and had a tour of the building to see the ideas for the refurbishment and possible layout,” they said in a statement.
“We have been reassured that the number of books will be the same if not increased, the computers and meeting space in the library will be retained or expanded, and the important local history section will be retained.
“With an investment of £200,000 to refurbish, modernise and make the Mechanics Institute downstairs areas fully accessible, the move would safeguard both a library service in Calverley well into the future – and an historic building which has stood in the heart of the village for 150 years.
“There will no doubt be some important concerns to consider, so we would encourage all users of the library, and any potential new users, to complete the consultation to have their say.”
WLD understands it’s likely the Thornhill Street library building will be sold.
Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) is seeking reassurances on a number of issues. He said: “I should make it very clear that I would far rather Calverley Library stayed in its purpose-built site. However, the proposals are not to close the library, thank goodness.
“There are a series of issues which I find very concerning.
“I am not reassured as yet that the numerous voluntary and community groups who use the Library for their regular meetings will have sufficient space in the Mechanics. The council need to understand that Calverley Library is not just a library, but a mini community hub.
“There are also significant issues about the current library site, and local residents are right to be concerned about what the council might allow on the site. It has to be in keeping with the historic centre of the village, have sufficient on site car parking if the site is to be used for housing, and appropriate consultation needs to take place with the immediate neighbours.
“Needless to say, I am keeping a very close eye on the situation.”
The library was originally based at the Mechanics Institute before moving into its current building in 1973.
Plans to transform the current library building into a mini community hub were shelved in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.
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