A LIBRARY in Ryedale is to reopen following work to make it more energy efficient.

As reported by the Gazette & Herald, Malton Library closed on February 11 so that carbon-cutting measures could be installed, as part of a North Yorkshire wide scheme to improve energy efficiency across the county.

This work involved upgrading the heating system, and is set to provide an estimated annual saving of 5,039 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions by replacing gas-fired heating with electric air source heat pumps within the building.

The library, in St Michael Street, will reopen at 9.30am on Monday, March 20.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for climate change and libraries, Cllr Greg White, said: "We are working to ensure our buildings are as energy efficient as they can be as it is a major strand of the council’s carbon reduction plan.

Gazette & Herald: Cllr Greg White (right)Cllr Greg White (right) (Image: NYCC)

“We would like to thank all library users for their patience during the scheme and look forward to welcoming customers back through the doors next week.”

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Funding was awarded in February 2022 and work was initially planned for last summer, but delays in supplies meant the project date had to be pushed back.

During the closure, loan periods were adjusted so that no borrowed items will be due for return during the closure, and arrangements have been made to cover home library service deliveries. 

A public engagement campaign is now under way to help shape a plan to tackle climate change and build on work that is already under way to dramatically reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

The engagement will run until April 7 and will be available online as well as in libraries.

A climate change strategy is set to be adopted by the new North Yorkshire Council, which launches on April 1.

For more details, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/north-yorkshire-council-climate-change-strategy-2023-2030