Hull, City of Culture 2017, to reduce library hours

If approved, from March the opening hours of libraries across the city will be curtailed including the Central Library which will close on Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Other libraries in the city will be cut to opening just four, or in some cases three, days a week.

Writing in a report to be considered by councillors next week, Coun Terence Geraghty, the portfolio holder responsible for libraries, supports the proposals as a better way of saving money to wholesale library closures.

He writes: “It is very important that we give people, especially children, the opportunity to practice their reading skills as being able to read is the route to learning everything else.

“It is also important that people can access information on all subjects, in books or online, to help them make life decisions, learn new things apply for jobs etc.

“Closing libraries would take such opportunities away from everyone, particularly children and the more vulnerable. “

In common with other councils across Yorkshire, Hull is having to find millions of pounds in savings as the amount it receives in grant funding from the Government is reduced.

The proposed reduction in opening hours will help the council’s library service save £320,000 in the coming financial year having saved £95,000 this year.