Bradford councillors will be asked to approve revised library opening hours at a meeting next week.
Bradford libraries have been consulting with the public, staff and unions on two options for reduced opening hours at nine Council-run libraries in the district, which includes Ilkley.
This is part of savings that have to be made as proposed in the Council’s budget proposals for 2024/5 and is to achieve savings of £175,000 in 2025/6 financial year.
The two options given in the consultation are outlined in the table below:

The council received 1,656 responses to the consultation with the clear preference being option two - earlier closing on Saturdays combined with additional reductions during the week.
Bradford Council’s Executive will be asked to approve the final proposals for changes to opening hours at Council-run libraries, some of which have been altered in response to the consultation . If approved, these changes will be implemented in time for full year savings from April 2025.
The opening hours at Hybrid and Community Managed libraries will not be impacted by this.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive member for Healthy People and Places, said:
I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and had their say on opening hours. We have been able to make an informed decision based on the information that our residents, who use the libraries service, provided.
“We don’t want to be having to make these changes but unfortunately, we have to make more savings and look at the services we provide and make some difficult decisions."

Dates confirmed for the 2026 Lexus Ilkley Open
One of the "Seven Wonders of the World" on our doorstep
Questions raised over Ilkley 20mph scheme validity
Passenger Transport Services (PTS) will not operate tomorrow due to weather warnings
Council launches major consultation on housing
Appeal after stolen van in Ilkley
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Ilkley
Acquisition will enhance Ilkley based SmartSearch services
New Cancer Support Group for Ilkley
Almost 200 Airedale Hospital workers to go on strike over pensions
Ilkley Colts stand out in new kit thanks to sponsors
New Ilkley English tutoring service helps students thrive
Changes to parking charges in Ilkley Town Centre
Retrospective "amphitheatre" plans by Burley Oaks
When the weather turns, turn to Your Ilkley
Entries to 2026 Ilkley Business Awards close on Friday
Help to navigating NHS and healthcare apps
Bus service diversions due to road closure near Bolton Abbey
Outside the Box joins Tinker Gallery for Printastic
Brand new local voucher platform set to launch next month


