Leeds libraries to operate on reduced hours

The library hours will change from the beginning of August, the council said

Twenty libraries across Leeds are to reduce their opening hours on evenings and weekends in a bid to save the council money while keeping the facilities open.

The changes follow a public consultation which looked at how people used libraries and community hubs across the city.

Leeds City Council said the new opening hours would save about £200,000 a year, helping with some of the £63.9m it needs to save this financial year.

From August, some sites will see a reduction in evening opening hours while others will be open for a shorter time on Saturdays - but many will see no changes.

'Valuable spaces'

There are 37 libraries and community hubs across Leeds, offering books and computer access alongside author talks, creative workshops and events for families and children.

Community hubs provide free support with job applications, budgeting and understanding which benefits people are eligible for.

Eight of the city’s libraries or hubs have "wellbeing pods", which give parents and families support from local midwives and healthcare professionals.

The council said 20 of its sites would be affected by the change in opening hours - five on evenings, 14 on Saturdays, and also Central Library by three hours on a Thursday.

'Valuable spaces'

Councillor Mary Harland, 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."

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]