Temporary closure at Dringhouses Library

Staff and volunteers at Dringhouses Library on Tadcaster Road have had a chilly start to 2023. Average temperatures inside the library of only 10 degrees mean that Explore have  decided to temporarily close the library from Monday 13 February and review the situation at  the end of the month.

Staff and volunteers at Dringhouses Library on Tadcaster Road have had a chilly start to 2023. Average temperatures inside the library of only 10 degrees mean that Explore have  decided to temporarily close the library from Monday 13 February and review the situation at  the end of the month.

At present the only heating in the library is supplied by two gas-fired warm air heaters. These have been repaired several times in recent years, and an inspection has confirmed the current system is not adequate and recommended an urgent upgrade. The library is in a listed building therefore any changes will need to be carried out in line with statutory requirements. 

Explore discussed the reasons for the closure with Friends of Dringhouses Library and local councillors before progressing the decision. Explore will keep the situation under constant review and aims to have the library back open as soon as it is safe to do so.

 Jenny Layfield, Chief Executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives said:

“I know how important Dringhouses Library is for the local community. It’s a place where people get together, and families bring their children. It has a fantastic group of Friends and volunteers. Sadly, the temperature in the library at the moment makes it uncomfortable to be in for any length of time. Explore has a duty of care to our staff, volunteers, and customers so we have decided to temporarily close the library whilst a solution is agreed. Explore and City of York Council are working together to fix the heating problems at this much-loved and well-used library.”

Health and Safety Executive guidance states that the minimum temperature for working indoors in a library-type environment should be at least 16°C.

Dringhouses Library will close at 1 pm on Saturday 11 February and will remain closed until the end of February.

All items loaned by Dringhouses Library will be renewed automatically until 28 February.

The nearest alternative library is Acomb Explore on Front Street. Regular library services and activities such as computer use, Under 5 story time and Lego Club may be enjoyed at Acomb or at any other Explore library.

Customers who have questions about the closure can email contact@exploreyork.org.uk or call Acomb Explore (01904) 552651

Please check Explore’s website or social media for the latest official updates about Dringhouses Library.