Janine**** As soon as I clicked publish on this article, there was an unfortunate update on the story. You can read it here on Facebook, but the long and short of it is the decision has been made by the council, and the beloved Crossgates Library building will be auctioned off at the end of February, with a guide price of £300,000 – this is woefully small, compared to the budget needs – potentially reflective of the state the Leeds City Council have let the building fall into in just 2 years.
I can only imagine that this low price is justified only by the savings in not refurbishing it, but that’s just my feeling.
For the time being Saturday protests have been suspended until there’s more news. In the meantime, I would still urge you to sign the petitions listed below, so that hopefully it will inspire someone to rescue the building and use it for the community.
I will do further articles following this story as more information comes to light ****
A Beloved Landmark Under Threat
The historic Crossgates Library in Leeds stands at a crossroads. Facing the harsh reality of budget cuts, Leeds City Council has proposed selling the vacant building, sparking an outcry from the local community. This article delves into the library’s rich history, the current challenges, and the ongoing fight to save this cherished symbol of community life.
A Storied Past: From “Readings for Victory” to Digital Literacy
Opened in 1939 as the Percival Leigh Library, Crossgates wasn’t just a repository of books. It was a vibrant hub, hosting wartime “Readings for Victory” events, author talks by J.R.R. Tolkien and Alan Bennett, and pioneering digital literacy programs. For generations, it served as a centre of learning, fostering a love of books and connecting the community.
A Temporary Move and Uncertain Future
In 2022, the library relocated to a shop unit in Crossgates Shopping Centre while its original building awaited refurbishment. However, funding was withdrawn, leaving the historic structure boarded up and vulnerable to vandalism, with reports of much of the inside of the building having been damaged, and skylights destroyed exposing the internal structure to the elements. Meanwhile, the temporary location, despite boosting signups, lacks the spaciousness and dedicated children’s area of the original building.
Was told yesterday through the grapevine that the old library is vandalised internally to a very great extent. All the furniture has gone and some of the round skylights in the ceiling are smashed allowing exposure to the elements. What was supposed to be a wonderful hub for the benefit of future generations has been allowed to become an eyesore.
East Leeds History & Archaeology Society
A Delicate Balancing Act: Budgetary Pressures vs. Community Needs
Leeds City Council faces a daunting £162.8 million budget deficit over the next three years. Selling the library is seen as a potential source of revenue, alongside measures like reducing staff and selling other buildings. However, the community argues that sacrificing such a valuable asset for short-term gain is short-sighted. Libraries, they emphasize, are much more than just book repositories; they are vital community centres, offering education, resources, and a sense of belonging.
“We know some of the proposals we have set out today will be unpopular as they will have a challenging impact on people’s lives. As is increasingly being seen around the country, councils have only very difficult choices left to use to balance their budgets, meet the needs of residents and not risk being driven to the point of financial distress. Local government cannot continue in this way, it simply isn’t workable.
“In the immediate short-term, we call on the government to use the upcoming finance settlement to provide the urgent help all councils clearly need, especially in the face of the rising costs and demand in children’s services to help support and protect our most vulnerable children and young people.”
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis
The Fight to Save Crossgates Library
Residents have rallied behind the library, launching petitions and organizing demonstrations. Two online petitions, one on Change.org and the other on 38Degrees, have garnered over 2,000 signatures combined. These efforts highlight the immense public support for preserving this cherished landmark.
Change.org Petition to save Crossgates Library: https://chng.it/vmK6KVY66p
38Degrees Petition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-crossgates-library?source=rawlink&utm_medium=socialshare&utm_source=rawlink&share=b41af5a5-8105-4964-acc2-52d6e1686a77
Looking Ahead: Weighing Options and Finding Solutions
The final decision on Crossgates Library’s fate rests with the council. They must carefully consider the financial challenges, community needs, and the historical significance of the building. Perhaps creative solutions, such as securing alternative funding sources or exploring partnerships with community organizations, can offer a way to save the library and ensure its continued service to the community.
Crossgates Library is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a living testament to the community’s spirit and a vital resource for its future. This fight to save it is not just about preserving a building; it’s about protecting a cornerstone of community life and ensuring that future generations have access to the same opportunities for learning and growth that those before them enjoyed.
The architectural significance of the Crossgates Library is undeniable. Its design reflects the modernist style popular in the 1930s and features several noteworthy elements, such as the glazed facade and spacious reading room. The building was a showpiece, judged to be the best in the West Yorkshire area in the period 1939-1951. The building stands as a valuable landmark in Leeds’ cultural landscape.
By sharing this story and supporting the ongoing efforts, you can help ensure that Crossgates Library continues to stand tall as a beacon of knowledge and community spirit for years to come.
References:
Most recent update on Leeds City Council Budget: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/buildings-closures-service-changes-and-price-increases-proposed-as-leeds-city-council-tackles-local-government-budget-crisis
Save Our Old Library Building on Facebook
Yorkshire Evening Post – Crossgates Library: Petition to save old Leeds library passes 1,100 signatures
Percival Tookey Leigh was a former mayor of Leeds, (1935-1936), but before that he was a pioneer in dentistry, there is a University of Leeds award named for him, the “Percy Leigh Prize for Excellence in Oral Pathology and Radiology” and worked in public service from the of the Victorian era through to the pre-war years. He passed away in 1938.
