The Birmingham battle goes on over cuts to vital service that the city 'must protect'

Residents outside Harborne Library
-Credit: (Image: Paul Miller)


The battle over the future of Birmingham’s libraries has rumbled on in recent weeks as residents across the city voice their fears. Crisis-hit Birmingham City Council recently unveiled its divisive recommended proposals for the library service and has been undertaking the final phase of a public consultation.

The Labour-run council has therefore been holding in-person sessions across the city in recent weeks amid an outpouring of support for their local library. One busy session at Tower Hill Library on Thursday, September 26, saw frustrated and despairing locals question the consultation options and describe the important role the service plays in the community.

Under the recommended proposals, this particular library in the Perry Barr ward could be part of a “co-location library offer” which would see two buildings closed and relocated. Local writer Nargis Darby told the Local Democracy Reporting Service outside the library: “There’s so many people here who use the service.

READ MORE: Birmingham council's library plans set to make 'nil savings' this year despite £1m target

“The people on the ground are the ones who should be listened to. Many here love reading, I love writing - keep the libraries open.”

Marlene Lewis, 59, described Tower Hill Library as a “safe space” and urged the council to look at the bigger picture. “This library is for the future of our children,” she said.

Perry Barr councillor Morriam Jan (Liberal Democrats) said the library means “everything” to the local community.

“It’s accessible and it’s loving,” she said.”The librarians love working here - they love Perry Barr and they love the library". Cllr Jan, along with other residents at the event, also questioned why the building had been left to become run down.

Perry Barr councillors Jon Hunt and Morriam Jan (Liberal Democrats)
Perry Barr councillors Jon Hunt and Morriam Jan (Liberal Democrats) outside Tower Hill Library -Credit:Alexander Brock

A spokesperson for the city council said: “During the library consultation period, comments and concerns about community libraries will be taken into consideration". Elsewhere in Birmingham this week, another session at Harborne Library saw schoolchildren gather outside with placards.

Paul Miller, a resident from the area, said: “The event was incredibly well attended, despite being on a Tuesday morning. This is one of the last community spaces in Harborne.”

And then earlier today, Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors submitted petitions, letters and artworks from over 2,000 people, including hundreds of children, in a bid to save the libraries in Hall Green and Small Heath. Cllr Shabina Bano said “Children need spaces like libraries, as well as parks and museums.

“Our generation benefited from these opportunities. We must protect libraries for the current and future generations.”

Birmingham City Council’s libraries proposals in-depth

The council confirmed last month that ten libraries could remain open full time, operating as 'community hubs', under the council’s divisive recommended proposals. Fourteen more could open part time only for around 14 hours a week.

In four more locations however, there could be a “co-location library offer” which could involve two buildings being closed and relocated. Another seven elsewhere could remain but only if other organisations or groups are able to step in to fund and run them.

Cllr Saima Suleman, the council’s cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, previously said its recommended proposals could provide 28 building-based libraries funded by BCC including a community library hub in each constituency. “There is also potential for up to 34 Library based buildings with the inclusion of partner-led libraries,” she said.

“Crucially, in our community library hubs we will offer people the support that they need – from benefits advice to housing support, we will help to prevent people from falling into crisis, ensuring that people can access the support that they need in their neighbourhood". The final phase of the library consultation, which closes today, shares four proposed options, with option four being the council’s recommended path.

Councillors submit petitions, letters and artworks from over 2,000 people
Councillors submit petitions, letters and artworks from over 2,000 people -Credit:Liberal Democrats Birmingham

The other options are:

1) Do nothing and retain 35 library buildings; the council has said this will not achieve savings.

2) Keep Library of Birmingham and reduce community libraries to six but invest in co-located larger spaces and operations; the council says this does not meet statutory requirements.

3) Move from current 35 Community Libraries to a minimum of 11 Community Library Hubs (including Library of Birmingham) open six days per week with a BCC offer of Library services and Early Intervention and Prevention with colocations and partner-led provision opportunities.

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