Inside the new libraries plan for Birmingham - the 28 to stay open and the seven at risk

Twenty eight libraries are to stay open across Birmingham after a campaign led by activists, children and celebrity authors. But seven more remain 'at risk', two will close for good and opening hours at all of them will be reduced. Some jobs will go as part of the cost-cutting shake-up.

Under final proposals revealed today, subject to sign-off next week, the flagship Library of Birmingham will stay open six days a week, ten more libraries will open four days a week, operating as 'community hubs', and a further 14 will open three days a week. The fate of seven more relies on whether community partners can be found to take over their costs and operations. The venues would double up with neighbourhood advice and information services and be rebranded as 'Connected Communities'.

Historic Spring Hill Library, previously serving the residents of Ladywood, will close for good. It has been closed 'temporarily' and was awaiting a feasibility study over the costs of replacing a boiler and pipeworks. And Tower Hill Library, which celebrated Jack Reacher author Lee Child says was an inspiration during his childhood, is also set to close.

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The measures announced today are seen as a dramatic improvement on initial plans that would have seen several libraries closed or relocated, and most of the rest offering a skeleton service. The proposals are set out in a report being discussed by the city council's neighbourhoods committee this week (Wednesday February 5). It follows a series of public consultations and private discussions between the council and potential partners.

Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to all stages of our community libraries consultation and this valuable feedback is helping us shape the future of the service. The proposed Connected Communities service will maintain library and advice services in safe spaces open to all.”

Under the plans, set to be signed off by the city council cabinet next week (February 11), this is what is proposed:

The Library of Birmingham would open six days a week, 40 hours

The city's flagship venue will also have an express service available for an additional 34 hours a week.

10 community libraries would open four days a week, 28 hours

Acocks Green Library - the community hub for Yardley constituency

Druids Heath Library - the community hub for Selly Oak constituency

Erdington Library - the community hub for Erdington constituency

Handsworth Library - the community hub for Perry Barr constituency

Kings Heath Library - the community hub for Hall Green and Moseley constituency

Mere Green Library - the community hub for Sutton Coldfield constituency

Northfield Library - the community hub for Northfield constituency

Quinton Library - the community hub for Edgbaston constituency

Small Heath Library - the community hub for Ladywood constituency

Ward End Library - the community library for Hodge Hill and North Solihull constituency

13 community libraries would open three days a week, 21 hours

Balsall Heath Library - currently closed for refurbishment but will reopen in 2026

Birchfield Library

Hall Green Library

Kings Norton Library

Kingstanding Library

Perry Common Library

Shard End Library

Sheldon Library

South Yardley Library

Sparkhill Library

Stirchley Library

Weoley Castle Library

Yardley Wood Library

Four libraries would stay open in existing shared space or be moved to shared location

Aston Library - will remain in existing shared space

Harborne Library - exploring a joint council/partnership provision to stay in existing library building

Selly Oak Library - will remain in existing shared space

Tower Hill Library - will close, council exploring 'alternative shared space'

Seven could be run and funded by community partners and organisations. Otherwise they would close. These are:

Bartley Green Library

Bloomsbury Library

Boldmere Library

Frankley Library

Glebe Farm Library

Sutton Coldfield Library

Walmley Library

Birmingham City Council said it had listened to responses through three periods of consultation, which triggered national coverage and widespread angst, with campaigners highlighting the hugely important role of free libraries, especially in poorer areas of the city.

The number of library opening hours in total, including the mobile service, will be cut by a third, from 1,049 hours a week to 714 hours. In her report, assistant director Kalvinder Kohli says the aim is to shift from seeing 'libraries as buildings' to 'libraries as services' that are delivered in more flexible ways, with more services under one roof. "Our Community Libraries will provide safe and universal spaces across the city for people to visit, study, read, borrow books and other materials, connect, or seek help, without fear or judgement."

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The report acknowledges that 'not everyone agrees that this proposal is appropriate' with many stating that they do not support any reduction to services provided directly by council employees. The council is relying on partners and community groups to provide library services in seven areas of the city.

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These would have to exist without any direct funding from the council, either through the community asset transfer process or a management lease agreement. There would be support from the council through the provision of books, e-books and publications, and they would still be part of the digital library management and reservations services. The council has also pledged to invest £7.65m in capital works on what it calls 'neighbourhood and community assets'.

Emma Lochery, from the campaign Birmingham Loves Libraries, said concerns persist that the attack on libraries could have been avoided if the council was not under pressure to make swift and deep cuts as part of the Government intervention triggered by its de facto bankruptcy.

"We remain very concerned and continue to urge the Government and commissioners to rethink the cuts being demanded of Birmingham. But we do acknowledge that the proposals appear to show that the council is listening to the concerns of Brummies and understands how precious and valuable libraries are in our communities."

She said questions remain about the fate of staff and the individual circumstances of libraries, particularly those due to be relocated or which face closure if community partners are not found. "We will be continuing to scrutinise how the council follows through on its proposals."

The total original budget for Birmingham’s Community Library Services was £6.16 million, with libraries and neighbourhood advice service staffing accounting for the majority of that. Running and operating costs totalled just over £2 million, offset by room hire, small grants and housing revenue account funding. Under the new plans, the budget will be slashed by 37%.

All of those working in libraries and neighbourhood advice service roles will see their jobs removed and will have to reapply for newly designed combined roles, expected to be fewer. "Staff working in these areas will be consulted on the proposed changes associated with delivering this revised service model....the proposals may result in the displacement of a number of staff. We will seek to minimise compulsory redundancy," added the report.

External government appointed commissioners support the proposals, describing it as a blueprint for the way forward. It will rely on partner-led backing to deliver savings.