JohnLeeds City Council is planning a refurbishment of Halton Library on Selby Road following calls for modernisation of the ‘tired’ facility from users.
Work will include a new entrance and meeting space. Doors and windows will also be replaced.
A council report published last week said the library already provided stop-smoking services, police drop-ins, history talks and councillor surgeries.
But it pointed to slow internet speeds, difficult access for people with disabilities, and ageing furniture, shelving and decor.
It said: “Halton Library continues to support the local community by offering a wide range of services. However, feedback from the users of the service highlights several areas requiring improvement.”
The report added: “The library has seen some modest investment of essential maintenance works over the years, but nothing that would indicate the level of investment needed to keep track of the changing needs of the community.
“The tired appearance of the library building can give the impression of neglect, potentially affecting community pride and reducing engagement.”
A spend of £869,000 would be approved from the council’s capital programme.
A mobile library would be made available during the refurbishment, which would take around 20 weeks. Works are expected to start this autumn.
The full report can be found here.
