Ilkley Library closed unexpectedly 177 times since 2022, mainly due to staff shortages, raising concerns among residents and councillors.
Council member Loy asked about the closures at a meeting, seeking the library closure numbers for the past three years. The council shared the closure numbers on February 18, revealing that Ilkley Library closed the most often, significantly more than other libraries in the district.
Ilkley Library closed numerous times each year. It closed 19 times early in 2022, then 44 times from April 2022 to March 2023. Closures increased to 69 times the following year, before decreasing to 45 times between April and November 2024.
In comparison, Bingley Library closed 94 times, Keighley Library closed 31 times, while Bradford City Library closed only nine times, making it the least affected library.
Staff shortages were the primary reason for closure. However, weather and building repairs also sometimes caused closures. Closures varied in duration, lasting from 30 minutes to a full day.
The council acknowledged staffing issues caused closures. A staff shortage became clear in 2022/23, leading to reduced evening hours in December 2023 to match staffing levels. Closures decreased following this, but Ilkley Library remains a concern.
Ilkley Library faced staff sickness and vacant positions. Consequently, they plan new hours and schedules by April 2025, and managers are actively looking for more casual assistants.
Councillors Loy and Nunns suggested using more volunteers to reduce unplanned closures. They suggested a hybrid staff/volunteer program to achieve this.
Councillor Loy emphasized residents are worried and eager to volunteer at the library. He added that something needs to change, suggesting increased volunteer involvement could help improve the situation.
Currently, Ilkley Library is closed for refurbishment. The council anticipates the closure to last several weeks.