Warning of costly repairs for city’s libraries

LIBRARIES IN a Yorkshire city need £3m of repairs in the next 20 years – and action is needed to make sure the council does not face a “significant financial liability”.

Surveys of library users have revealed people have “mixed feelings” about the current state of the facilities, and councillors have heard repairs costing millions of pounds are needed.

Libraries chief Fiona Williams and the city council’s Charlie Croft spoke to councillors this week about the future of the service – which after a five-year deal with mutual organisation Explore York is due for a new contract.

Reports prepared ahead of negotiations show £3m of looming repairs needed over the next 20 years, adding: “It will be essential to secure new premises that are more fit for purpose and which reduce this significant financial liability on the council.”

However, Mr Croft told members of the council’s children, education and communities policy and scrutiny committee that was a “sweeping statement” and should be rewritten to show the council needs a strategy to deal with important repairs, not necessarily to find new premises.

“We have to address the £3m, and we need a strategy that ensures we have fit-for-purpose buildings that are not falling down,” he added.

The meeting also heard about plans for more reading cafes in city libraries.

Ms Williams, the chief executive of Explore, said cafes helped bring people into libraries, and have been especially effective in Acomb.

“Getting through the door can be a bit intimidating for some people at a library, but everybody can cope with having a cup of coffee and once they are in staff can engage with them about coming to storytime with their children, or joining the library.”