A NEW library could be built on part of the site of York’s smallest secondary school after it closes next year.

A “purpose-built” Explore centre on the Burnholme Community College site could replace the existing Tang Hall Library on Fifth Avenue, a City of York Council task group has suggested.

The council’s ruling cabinet will next week consider a review which said Tang Hall Library could be expanded to provide more access to community and council services as it was the third largest library in the city.

Although firm proposals have yet to emerge, the group said one possibility was to build a “community hub” on the Burnholme site.

The college is to close next year because of falling pupil numbers.

An alternative idea is to rebuild the library where the present one stands.

The task group has recommended looking at longer opening hours for libraries where the layout and the number of rooms available would allow them to be used for other activities, and at those with self-service machines so a “basic” service could be provided when they are open for community use but library staff are not on duty.

A report by council officers said Tang Hall Library was used by 5,000 people a month and already had a meeting room and computer suite, but its reception area could offer more services and information.

It said the current site offered “some room for expansion”.

The report said any new library in Tang Hall would need to be designed in a way which did not affect the use of a nearby community centre.

The group also questioned whether Strensall and Clifton libraries were in the best locations, although there were no council-owned buildings in those areas which offered better alternatives.