Huddersfield Library will begin operations to move to a temporary new space this month as part of Kirklees Council’s exciting plans to redevelop the town centre.
The first phase of the flagship Cultural Heart programme includes a new and modern library that will better meet the needs of the local community and those across Kirklees.
Kirklees Libraries will temporarily relocate from the existing Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery building on Princess Alexandra Walk that has been in use since the second world war. Visitors can access the library building until noon on New Year’s Eve when the building will close its doors to the public, marking the end of an era.
To mark the move, Kirklees Libraries are inviting the public to attend events throughout December. Writer in Residence Christina Longden is hosting two events on Saturday 10 and Saturday 17 December 10am to 3pm, where people can share memories of their time at Huddersfield Library. There will also be musical entertainment via a rap workshop celebrating books, stories and libraries, a family-friendly performance of A Winter’s Tail with local theatre group Fettle and Fable; a book launch featuring a Library Adventure Live! and an interactive poetry session with local poet Matt Goodfellow.
The library will move up the road to the Customer Service Centre building on Market Street where they will be co-located with the customer services team until the new, state-of the -art, library is complete in Spring 2026.
Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services said: “Huddersfield Library has been open since the second world war and is held dear by many thousands of residents across the district.
“I’m excited about the move into a brand new state-of-the-art library in Spring 2026, and hope that people will visit Kirklees Libraries in its temporary location whilst the work takes place.
“I encourage people to take the opportunity to visit the existing library before the move, to share their stories and memories at any of the planned events this month.”
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration said: “It’s great to get some momentum behind the Cultural Heart programme and our transformation of Huddersfield Town Centre. Renewing our historic library building is a key part of the project and this is an important first step towards achieving our ambitions.”
The new temporary library location will be adults, children and IT facilities opening in early January 2023. The Local Studies library and Kirklees Transcription Service will be temporarily relocating to premises on Victoria Lane and are due to open in February. In the meantime, people can call 01484 414868 with any enquiries.
For further details about Kirklees Libraries events visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/kirkleeslibraries