New library opening hours to come following public consultation

Nearly 3,000 residents responded to the survey, answering questions on how they use libraries and community hubs.

Following this, from August onwards some sites will see a reduction in evening opening hours, and some will be open for a shorter time on Saturdays compared to before. Many sites will see no changes.

The new opening hours will save around £200k, supporting with the council’s need to save £63.9m this financial year.

There are 37 libraries and community hubs across Leeds providing residents with a lot more than just books and free access to computers. Libraries have a strong cultural offer with author talks, creative workshops and an array of events for families and children.

A library card will also give you access to thousands of pounds worth of online resources and information and you can order any books from the catalogue to be delivered to any site for collection, free of charge.

Leeds Central Library has several specialist departments including the largest and most comprehensive public art and music libraries in the north of England. It also hosts Studio 12, an award-winning digital media studio for people aged 16-30, a local and family history library with over 180,000 items, and a business and information department providing free support for new and existing businesses.

Community hubs provide free support with things like job applications, budgeting and helping you claim benefits you could be eligible for.

In 2023, new “wellbeing pods” were launched in eight of the city’s libraries or hubs, giving parents and families support from local midwives and healthcare professionals.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “Community hubs and libraries offer a significant face to face, community-based response to supporting families and residents, particularly those experiencing poverty, as well as making sure we have a library function in the city. They really are valuable spaces to people of all ages.

“Given the financial position we’re in, we’ve had to investigate ways of making savings in all our services. Of the options considered, reducing opening hours on evenings and Saturdays in some sites was the one that would have the least impact on people using these spaces, whilst enabling the service to continue to run effectively and efficiently.”

Find all new opening hours at https://libraries.leeds.gov.uk/libraries

Read more about Leeds Libraries at https://libraries.leeds.gov.uk/