Kirklees Together

Residents across Kirklees are benefiting from a new kind of library that makes it easier to access council services and community support closer to home.

Integrated Library Hubs provide access to additional services, including housing support, help with council tax and benefits, adult social care, wellbeing support and digital assistance, alongside all pre-existing library offers and activities.

The first hubs were set up a year ago at Dewsbury and Huddersfield libraries. Following their success, the roll-out has been expanded to ten sites across the district.

With co-located services in existing library spaces, they reduce the need for residents to travel and they feature trained staff to help customers access the services they need.

A new report highlights the early learning from the ten library hubs, showing how libraries are evolving into gateways to enable people to access information, advice and support.

Since the rollout, thousands of enquiries are being resolved quickly and locally, while those with more complex needs are receiving personalised, one-to-one enabling support.

The report also shows the wider value of the hubs as community anchors. Partnerships with health services, voluntary organisations and community groups mean residents can access support beyond council services such as employment advice, wellbeing programmes, family support and peer groups in one familiar, safe place.

Library hubs are playing a growing role in tackling digital exclusion. The number of people accessing IT equipment has increased by more than 30 per cent since a year ago, reflecting improved accessibility and enablement support that helps residents build confidence to use online services independently.

Volunteers continue to be central to this success, contributing hundreds of thousands of hours and helping to deliver activities for children, families and older residents.

Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment, said:

“Our Integrated Library Hubs are a great example of how we can modernise services while keeping them rooted in our communities.

“They make it easier for people to get the help they need, whether that’s support with council services, improving digital skills or simply having a welcoming and inclusive place to connect with others.

“Libraries have always been trusted spaces, and this work shows how they can continue to play a vital role in supporting residents now and into the future.”

The report confirms that Integrated Library Hubs are supporting the climate goal of reducing the need for travel and are also benefiting local communities.

The ten hubs are located in:

• Dewsbury
• Huddersfield
• Holmfirth
• Batley
• Heckmondwike
• Cleckheaton
• Birstall
• Ravensthorpe (Greenwood Centre),
• Kirkburton
• Almondbury

For more information about Kirklees libraries, visit the council website.