Built in 1926, the building is believed by its trustees to be the first purpose-built public library in Halifax. It will be celebrating its centenary in September next year, a milestone that, just a few years ago, seemed unlikely.
In 2020, Calderdale Council proposed to close the building permanently, with reasons varying from budget constraints and the presence of other libraries nearby. But a group of determined residents fought to save it.
“The council asked us, ‘What do you want it to be?’ and I wanted it to be more than a library, I was desperate to keep it open,” said Helen Verity, Chair of The Old Library Board of Trustees, who, like many in the area, grew up using the space.
After three years of background work, a successful Community Asset Transfer, and six months of rapid refurbishment, the doors were finally reopened in 2024 under a 125-year ‘repair-and-maintain’ lease.
Today, the building is mainly funded through its café, which sells coffee and homemade cakes, with additional funding coming from donations, grants, and fundraising.
The library is completely volunteer-run with a team of around 40 volunteers helping across the board, alongside several local bakers, and a group of trustees from all walks of life.
The board has ambitious plans, hoping to begin work next year. The priority is to install public facilities, but plans to develop the downstairs into a multi-functional space for hire are already in motion. An architect has been brought in to help shape the vision, and both national and local grant-givers will be approached to meet the costs, alongside local fundraising events.
“We want to be sympathetic to the building’s needs, and we want a community hub for everyone,” said Helen.
In addition to lending books and offering public computers, the Old Library hosts a diverse range of activities, including craft events, storytelling sessions, gardening workshops, and more.
In the past, they have hosted authors, a walking group, and even an Egyptologist, exploring the historical links between Halifax and Ancient Egypt.
Fellow trustee, Colin Hutchinson, said, “We’re just proud, immensely proud. It’s a project that’s worked much better than we ever thought.”
The trustees source as much work and support from local businesses and the community as possible: the new windows were installed by a local contractor; the IT specialist who comes in to help the less tech-savvy with their smartphones; the local bookshop, The Thoughtful Spot, that donates spare novels, Colin’s daughter, a published graphic novelist, put out a call to her peers for any spare copies.
Helen and Colin are filled with great admiration for the support they receive, especially from their volunteers, whom they admit the library couldn’t manage without. However, the trustees themselves are also extremely passionate.
In preparation for the opening, Colin personally varnished all the bookshelves in the library. Helen, who also owns G&T Cafe in Skircoat Green, offered free barista training to anyone volunteering at the library café.
The current trustees bring a range of professional experience, from an account manager, who oversees the library’s finances, to a former head of English, ensuring relevant curriculum material was available on the shelves.
This library not only functions, but thrives, because people believe in it.
According to the National Literacy Trust, in 2024, 18% of adults in the UK are ‘functionally illiterate’, meaning they can read short, simple texts but may struggle with unfamiliar topics or sources.
For many families, the rising cost of living has meant books have become less of a necessity and more of a luxury.
While working as a fundraiser for the National Literacy Trust, Helen met many children who had never owned a book.
“We want a place for every walk of life, every generation, every religion, culture, and background,” said Helen.
Helen discussed how important it was to keep the library free and accessible, noting that everyone at the nearby school held a library ticket.
“You can be warm in Winter, children can read books with parents, widows who feel lonely can come here and have a chat.”
The Old Library is more than a building; it’s a community to the parents, children, students, the old, the young, and everyone who uses it. This is a welcoming, comforting place, a home away from home.
Membership to The Old Library is free. If you wish to volunteer, sign up to become a library user, or donate, you can visit their website: https://theoldlibraryskircoat.org.uk/
