Libraries Act 1988

This section applies despite anything to the contrary in any Crown grant or instrument of trust.

The trustees of library land may lease it or a part of it to any person, if the land to be leased is not immediately required for library purposes.

A lease under this section—

if it is a building lease that provides for the erection of buildings for library purposes and associated purposes, must be for a term of not more than 50 years; and

in any other case, must be for a term of not more than 31 years; and

may be on any other terms that the trustees think fit.

The trustees must not apply rent received under a lease under this section for any purpose except—

repaying money borrowed under this Part or a corresponding previous enactment and paying interest in respect of any money so borrowed; or

a library purpose or an associated purpose being a purpose authorised by the document creating the trust or any relevant document of title.