Library run by Bradford charity to break trend of reducing opening hours

BBC

Beyond the Margin founder Lauren Batty says the charity wants Holmewood Library to eventually be open all week

A community-run council library says it hopes to extend its opening hours, as other venues do the opposite.

The charity Beyond the Margin runs the Holmewood Library on the Holmewood Estate following Bradford Council’s decision to cut costs on library services.

Ten council-run libraries will reduce opening hours from spring 2025 as part of a plan to save £175,000, but community-run libraries will not be affected.

The National Literacy Foundation has described the changes at Holmewood Library as an “incredible initiative” that will help inspire young readers.

The library will remain owned by Bradford Council but will be managed on a daily basis by the charity

Until recently, the library could only open a few days a week and was staffed “temporarily” by volunteers, Beyond the Margin said.

Charity founder Lauren Batty said: “It was really difficult to open because there was no capacity.

“Now that we are here, we will be able to not only support volunteers but also support the delivery of services.”

He added: “We will be open five days a week to not only provide library services to the community, but also to provide a range of other creative activities.”

Leah Hepworth and her daughter Lyra use mother and baby services at the library

The plan was to extend opening times to seven days and also establish a reading club for young adults.

Leah Hepworth, 21, who attended the venue’s recent launch day, said: “I think it’s a beautiful, relaxing and welcoming space that’s close to home.

“It’s really nourishing for people to come together in the local community and it’s good for the kids too – there are lots of books and lots of toys in different categories.”

Lisa Palmer is one of the volunteers working at the community center, which also houses the library.

Lisa Palmer, who runs a free school uniform service at the community center where the library is located, said: “I’ve lived here my whole life, 44 years, we need this library.

“It was once the heart of this place; as kids we could go and read books and spend some time together.”

Many people can’t afford Wi-Fi or tablet devices, he said, so the library is one of the few places where people can access something they can read for free.

Nabeelah Hafeez, project manager at the National Literacy Trust in Bradford, said: “This is an incredible initiative where the community has taken over a library site.

“We know that libraries are the heart of communities, places where families can go, children can learn and young people can find safe spaces and the books they love.”

Listen to the highlights West Yorkshire on BBC Soundsfollow the latest developments New episode of Look North or tell us a story you’re thinking of we must protect this place.