Charity-run library to break trend of fewer hours

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 - amid a backdrop of other venues doing the opposite.

The Beyond the Margin charity manages Holmewood Library on the Holmewood Estate, following Bradford Council's decision to make library service savings.

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

The National Literacy Trust called the changes at Holmewood Library "an incredible initiative" which will help to inspire young readers.

The library will remain under the ownership of Bradford Council but run by the charity on a daily basis

Until recently, the library had only been able to open a couple of days a week and ran on an "ad-hoc basis" by volunteers, Beyond the Margin said.

Lauren Batty, charity founder, said: "It was really difficult for it to open as the capacity wasn't there.

"Because we're now based here, we're going to be able to not only support the volunteers but be able to support in delivery of services too."

She added: "We'll be open five days a week, not only to provide library services to the community but also a range of other creative activities."

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

The plan was to eventually extend opening times over seven days and also set up a reading club for young adults.

Attending a recent introductory day at the venue, Leah Hepworth, 21, said: "I think it's a right nice, comforting, warm space close to home.

"It's really nurturing for people to get together in the local community and it's good for children - there's plenty of books of different categories and loads of toys."

Lisa Palmer is one of the volunteers who works at the community centre which also houses the library

Lisa Palmer, who runs a free school uniform service in the community centre which houses the library, said: "I've lived here for all my life, 44 years - we need this library.

"It was once the heart of here, where we could go as a child and read a book and take some time out."

She said many people could not afford WiFi or tablet devices, so the library was one of the few places where people could get access to something to read for free.

Nabeelah Hafeez, project manager for the National Literacy Trust in Bradford, said: "This is an incredible initiative where the community has take over a library space.

"As we know libraries are the heart of communities, it is where families can go, it is where children learn and it is where young people can find safe spaces, find books that they love."

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