A research group is calling for urgent work to stop Keighley's Carnegie Library from becoming a "ruin".

Hannah Worboys, an executive member of the Keighley and District Family History Society (K&DFHS), has urged Bradford Council to make a detailed inspection of the building.

Mrs Worboys, 76, who uses a wheelchair, also pointed out that the lack of access for the disabled to the reference library was inconveniencing her and others in the same position.

K&DFHS meets at the reference library, where its archives and equipment are kept.

Mrs Worboys, of West Morton, said: "Unfortunately, for some months now I have been unable to access the reference library as I am wheelchair-bound and cannot therefore get up the steps.

"This is a great handicap, both for my own research and the work I do for the society, and, I might add, I am not the only one so inconvenienced. It is unfair that people in this situation or the elderly and infirm can't get up to the archives. I have been told by the council that the chairlift will be reinstated in May.

"Apparently it was previously fixed on to an internal wall, which caused damage, and it will be repaired, but they are waiting for a vital chairlift part to be sent from Italy, which seems ridiculous to me," added Mrs Worboys.

When Keighley Library opened in 1904, it was the first library in England to benefit from the generosity of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who donated £10,000 towards it.

Andrew Carnegie left Scotland in 1848 and went to America as a poor immigrant. Through hard work he became knowledgeable in the industrial fields that were changing America at the turn of the century and made a fortune.

Mrs Worboys said: "Keighley Carnegie Library is being allowed to deteriorate until probably some time in the near future it will be almost a ruin."

She said that the library was a grade two listed building.

"I think that a deputation of the council should visit and pay detailed inspection to the various 'treasures' it holds, especially the fine ceiling paintings," added Mrs Worboys.

"It is all very well getting new computer equipment in there but what is the point when the building itself is in such a bad state?"

Mrs Worboys's main concern is that the deterioration of the building -- including a damp problem and leaking roof -- be halted and its condition be stabilised.

"We can't restore the library to its full former glory, but it is a historic building and piece of history. It can surely be kept better than this." she said.

Ian Watson, Bradford Council's head of libraries, archives and information services, said: "We apologise for the temporary problem with disabled access to the Library's first floor.

"We are waiting for a replacement part for the chairlift and expect to have it fixed and back in service within the next few weeks.

"In the meantime, staff are doing everything possible to help customers who have difficulty accessing the library stock on the first floor, including bringing material and files down to the ground floor."

He added that a full survey of the building was carried out earlier in the year and as a result repair work had been carried out, including leading work to fix a leak in the roof.

"We are also actively looking at attracting external funding to support a refurbishment of Keighley Library to coincide with its centenary next year," said Mr Watson.

"Recent investment in new computers and the refurbishment of the children's library -- both following successful funding bids -- shows our continued commitment to this important local public facility."

Andrew Carnegie initially donated the money to the town's library in recognition of Keighley's vigour in technical education, and the library became known as the Carnegie Free Library.

Keighley reciprocated by offering the freedom of the borough to Mr Carnegie -- the first town in England to do so.

Some of Mr Carnegie's favourite quotes can be seen embellished on the walls of the library.

Mr Carnegie (1835-1919) believed that in a capitalistic society it was essential for a small section of society to accumulate wealth. He thought that if this system crumbled then anarchy and tyranny would prevail.

However, he also believed that those who were very wealthy had a moral obligation to give their fortune away before they died to benefit society. There are 660 Carnegie libraries throughout the UK and Ireland and others across the world.