A NEW ‘vision’ has been set out for the district’s libraries – with a pledge that none will close.

Bradford Council has outlined more details of its model for the service over the next four years.

In 2019 there was uproar when it was announced that more than £1 million would be slashed from the libraries budget.

Campaigners feared that Keighley Library and others in the district could see services curtailed, or even removed altogether.

But last year the council reviewed its plans and decided to use £700,000 of public health money to prop-up the libraries budget.

Now the site in North Street, Keighley, and libraries at Wibsey and Allerton are part of a pilot to tailor provision to communities’ needs.

“There will be a core offer at all libraries across the district but also a ‘tailored offer’ will be developed for each site that reflects the particular needs and circumstances of the local community,” said a council spokesman.

“This work is starting with the three pilot libraries.”

Setting out the model until 2025, the spokesman added: “The library service will be developed with a focus on enhancing wellbeing and tackling a number of key priorities including addressing poverty and social isolation, supporting people to develop their skills and employability, and helping children get the best start in life.

“It will do this using key assets of library staff, the buildings, IT and local communities and the networks within them.”

According to the council, the main principles of the service are:

• Be inclusive; offering a free safe space and a place to meet for all.

• Be at the heart of the community, reflecting local needs and supporting improved outcomes.

• Retain a core library function in line with statutory requirements.

• Connect with other services, allowing access to information and advice and signposting.

• Be creative and mindful of wider cultural ambitions.

• Adopt a partnership approach to working, which brings together a range of organisations, groups and education institutions.

Keighley Library, like others, has been hit by the impact of the pandemic. For more details of services, visit bradford.gov.uk/libraries/find-your-local-library/keighley-library.