The new location will mean people can access a wider range of services all in one place, including support for children and families, help and advice, activities for older people, community events – as well as the traditional library service valued by residents.
Where will it be moving to?
The library is currently in Stocks Walk and will move the short distance to become part of the community hub, just off Farfield Road.
Why are we moving the library?
The decision fits with the council’s overall direction of redesigning library services, ensuring they make best use of resources and have the most positive impact on a range of local needs.
Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Corporate Services, said:
“The way people use and access libraries has changed enormously over the last few years and we need to reflect a more up-to-date way of working.
Each library is treated on an individual basis so that it’s effective for its community. This helps us achieve the best outcomes, to work in partnership with communities and to recognise the value of modern libraries, which have come a long way beyond the simple lending of books.
In Almondbury, moving to our excellent community hub will mean the library service is available more often and is more centrally located for visitors with better car parking.
It will also help us tackle social isolation and support the vulnerable. It will be more accessible to more people and will bring new opportunities – for example, there could be activities like craft clubs, armchair exercises, job club and IT sessions taking place while the library is available.
We fully understand that people can become attached to particular buildings and this decision hasn’t been taken lightly. It has only come after extensive talks with interested parties and the local community.
The council will consider its options for the future of the current building and is confident that it will find alternative uses, which could include a transfer to the community.”
A timescale will now be set for the relocation to happen, with the library most likely to move later this year.