Ilkley College will be awash with books later this month - but those hoping this is part of a reprieve for the Wells Road campus will be disappointed.

Bradford and Ilkley Community College is offering the public the chance to benefit from a massive shake-up of the college's libraries with three huge book sales.

The book sales, starting on Saturday, April 17, will take place at the college's Wells Road campus.

The college library is currently is currently extending and refurbishing its Bradford McMillan site to accommodate a total of 85,000 volumes.

Despite a long battle to keep the site open, the college's Ilkley campus is due to close this summer.

Students and staff will move to the McMillan campus - hence the extended library.

The college library has taken the opportunity to examine its current stock and weed out items which are no longer required.

These books have been brought together at Ilkley, to be sold to the general public. The books cover a vast range of different subjects and staff believe there should be something to interest everyone.

Margaret Chapman, manager of college library services, said: "The sale gives the public the opportunity to purchase books which have many years of use left in them, even though they are out of date or no longer relevant to the curriculum."

"Although the books are drawn from each of the site libraries, the sale is being held at Ilkley because it provides the perfect venue. The majority of the books are on sale for four for a pound," she said.

There will be two further book sales, on Saturday May 15 and Saturday June 19 (10am-4pm). Additional items will be added to each of these sales.

Further information can be obtained from the college library on 01274 753313.

l While the campus prepares for its book sale, Student Union officials at the Wells Road campus still need sponsorship for a 'farewell' celebration on May 29. Those wanting to help the students say goodbye to Ilkley should contact the Student Union office on 01943 432048.

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