FROM the outside, the Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery building looks the picture of classic, clean-lined 1930s architecture.
It has a character which many people want to preserve.
But under the facade lies old building technology - and it is causing big problems.
Catherine Morris, principal library manager, said the building's design was not practical for the library's needs.
The sweeping grand staircase takes up a quarter of the building's space - which is in demand.
Mrs Morris said the children's library needs an educational play area, staff offices are cramped and storage space is limited.
The local studies library also needs to expand.
Mrs Morris said disabled access was a problem. The current entrance takes wheelchair users right round the side of the building to heavy oak doors, which they cannot open themselves.
The public and staff lifts have worn-out 1930s fittings and are unreliable.
Mrs Morris said: "We need to start again with the design and meet the needs of the 21st century.
There are also structural problems.
The roof is flat, with triangular pitches to channel water into three small drains. Rainwater often stands several inches deep, meaning the roof has undergone extensive patching to stop leaks.
Mrs Morris said it was time for an overhaul.
She said there had been intermittent leaks since 1961. One last year meant two months of closure after water poured through an electric junction box.
Damp patches are all over the building and chunks of plaster and coving have dropped off walls.
Water leakage has also caused the building's steel frame to rust through and cracks can be seen on the external walls.
Mrs Morris said: "You are waiting for an accident to happen with a member of the public."
The wiring is original 1930s, as is the plumbing.
And pipes that need repairing are buried under concrete which contains asbestos.
Ken Gillespie, director of regeneration for Kirklees Council, said surveys had assessed the damage, but detailed investigations were needed to find out its true extent.
He said the nature of the building made it difficult to maintain.
He added: "A collection of problems over time and the design mean piecemeal maintenance is no longer a solution."
Mr Gillespie said it would cost around £5m to repair the library.
The council is looking at the library as part of large-scale plans to redevelop the Piazza area of the town centre.
A recent survey, paid for by development agency Yorkshire Forward, said the shopping area and public green space needed redesigning and there needed to be a link between the town centre and the university.
The council is waiting for more Yorkshire Forward cash to conduct a feasibility study into the best options.
These could involve changing the library, the Piazza and Queensgate Market.
Following the study, designers will produce firm blueprints for the area. Then public consultation will be launched.
The two options for the library are to refurbish it or to build a new one.
Mr Gillespie said the council had not decided on any action. It was not inevitable that the library would be demolished.
He added: "It's terribly exciting - but terribly frustrating for the public, who don't know what's going on.
"We are open to public opinion and suggestions.
"There is no predetermination on the council's part. We want to look at all the options," said Mr Gillespie.
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