Welcome to The Briercliffe Society Forum

Calderdale Central Library
and Archives

We have been advised that Calderdale Council is proposing to
demolish Calderdale Central Library to make way for retail development. The
building houses the lending library, reference library, local history,
community meeting rooms and state of the art Archive facilities.



A website has been set up to support a campaign to
save the library from the bulldozers. It states “The
Council’s plan is to move the library and the adjacent council offices to
another location. However, it is likely that the alternative accommodation will
not be sufficient to house all of the functions that are currently in the
Central Library. The current Library and Archives are purpose-built,
well-used and centrally accessible. We oppose the unnecessary move and
fragmentation of such a valuable resource.”



The website can be accessed at http://www.dbol.org.uk/ where you will find
more information and a link to a couple of petitions.

The Federation of Family History Societies supports this
campaign and we encourage all family historians and other users of archives to
show their support for it.

_________________
Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

I have visited Calderdale loads of times.
Obviously, as I travel 80+ miles to visit anyway, it wouldn't make a lot of difference to me where the material ends up but thats not the point. It's a fantastic resource. I wouldn't have said the building was that old that it needed demolishing and in times of recession - why on earth is anyone considering a new retail development? There are enough empty stores on the High Streets as it is. If shops can't afford current rents, how will they afford the rents of a new purpose-built complex?

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I totally agree with you and have signed the petition.


Stephanie.

The response regarding the petition

Libraries play an important role in the lives of individuals and communities throughout this country, and Halifax Central Library has been no exception.

The Government remains committed to the principle that locally accountable politicians and managers should be free to decide how to deliver library and archive services in their authority in a way that is appropriate for their communities. However, we recognise that the closure or relocation of public libraries and archives is an important issue for local people and we encourage local authorities to consult communities about changes to services that will affect them.

We understand that Calderdale Council’s plans to relocate Halifax Central Library arose because the Council felt it was in need of modernisation. The Council was interested to hear from those who used the library and where they wanted to see its new facilities. This led to a consultation exercise on the Council’s website, where the vast majority of people expressed the view that the library should stay at its current location. Following this, Calderdale Council agreed to leave the library facilities there.

I believe the decision to stay put was made quite some time ago.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Brilliant.

_________________
Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.