Bradford's library book budget falls to 31p a head

Bradford Council has 31p per person to spend on new books for the district's libraries - 73p less than the national average - according to the latest figures.

The cash-strapped authority had made almost £6m in savings across its library service since 2010 having suffered a 68% reduction in overall funding during the austerity years.

Spending on books and materials had fallen even further, it said, dropping 73% over the same period.

The numbers were revealed in the council's new five-year Libraries Strategy, with the report warning further "robust" decision making would be needed to address expected "future financial challenges".

The report said the amount spent per head was the lowest in the region and among the lowest nationally.

Library services in the district have seen a major shake-up in recent years, with a total of 17 of the 27 previously council-run libraries managed partly or fully by volunteers.

Earlier this year, opening hours were cut by an average of six hours per week to shave further costs.

While there were no plans to close any libraries, the new document warned more work was required to make the service "sustainable" in the long term.

More branches could ultimately be run by local volunteers, it said, the use of self-service technology could be increased or libraries could operate from shared community spaces to reduce costs.

The report also suggested seeking "further financial contributions" for libraries from town and parish councils.

It added the main priority was to ensure libraries remained "accessible, free, safe, trusted and neutral spaces at the heart of communities".

People in the district have until 30 June to share their views on the strategy.

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