BRADFORD Council's Executive has agreed to spend £220,000 to update library equipment, including the replacement and expansion of self service machines.

The spend was one of a number of different projects approved during an online meeting yesterday, where members heard that the systems would lead to savings in the library budget.

A report to the Executive said the funding will be spent on: "equipment and installation costs for the replacement of the Regional Library Management System and replacement and extension of self-service machines. The Management System and self-service machines are an essential part of Libraries service deliver and in line with the new libraries model.

£210,000 to repair city centre bollards

"The new systems will generate annual revenue savings and part of the capital spend (£0.06m) will be funded from this and the remainder (£0.16m) will be corporate borrowing from the General Contingency Budget."

There has been limited openings of the District's libraries since the pandemic began in March, and before the current lockdown began visitor and loan numbers were down to between 10 and 20 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

Another agenda item looking at Covid's impact on services said: "This reflects the more limited opening hours and services currently on offer, as well as customer caution.

"Some Community Libraries are struggling to reopen services due to limited volunteer capacity and / or delays in host buildings opening."