How Birmingham residents can have their say on the future of the city’s libraries

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A public consultation has launched for residents to have a say on the future of the city’s library service amid the city council’s financial crisis

Birmingham residents are being urged to take part in a consultation to shape the future of the city’s library service while campaigners continue to plan their next move.

Last month, Birmingham City Council (BCC) approved an alarming budget which sets out how the crisis-hit authority will slash services across the city as well as raise council tax.

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The fallout from the council’s budget proposals has seen the city’s libraries become a particular focal point, with campaigns and petitions being launched across several communities amid fears of possible closures.

A public consultation launched today, April 4, offers further insight into how the council could move away from its current 35 community libraries to a ‘mixed delivery model’.

This model, put forward as the recommended option in the consultation, could include ‘community library hubs’ as well as community groups running library services.

“We estimate a combination of the council run and community-led provision might secure circa 25 building-based library services,” the consultation says. “This figure may change through the consultation as we gather more information.”

The proposed ‘mixed delivery model’ includes:

  • BCC run Community Library hubs open five days per week – providing library and early intervention and prevention services.
  • BCC Community Library hubs open part-time hours – providing library and early intervention and prevention services.
  • BCC staff co-located with partners/community groups providing library services.
  • Community groups running library services via Community Asset Transfer.
  • Library of Birmingham.
  • Virtual (digital) Library.
  • Expansion of mobile provision.
  • Prison Library.
  • Self-Service.
  • Libraries at Home Service.

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The public can have a say on the future of the city's librariesThe public can have a say on the future of the city's libraries
The public can have a say on the future of the city's libraries | LDRS

Campaigners this week spoke of the important role that libraries play in their communities, saying people of all ages relied on the services they provide.

Joe Simpson, from the Save Acocks Green Library campaign, said: “I think the main message for the campaigns is what we want to see in Birmingham is a comprehensive, professionally staffed library service.”

Emma Lochery, from Friends of Kings Heath Library, similarly said she wanted libraries to remain “open and professionally staffed”.

“I think the city council shouldn’t underestimate the love people have for their local library,” she added.

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Councillor Saima Suleman, cabinet member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, today urged everyone in Birmingham with an interest in library services to ‘take part and help shape a modern service that meets the needs of residents’. She added: “By working in different ways, we can offer a fantastic library service and give people access to help, guidance and skills training, to build stronger communities across Birmingham.”

The consultation adds that the option of ‘doing nothing’ and retaining 35 library buildings could lead to greater staff cuts to make the agreed budget savings.

“In real terms there are currently 27 libraries in operation across the city not 35 with current staff shortages and building closures,” it continued.

It added that another disadvantage related to this particular option is that it would be likely that unplanned, permanent library closures would continue as “mounting repairs costs of buildings cannot be met in the current financial climate.

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The consultation also suggested that while the way residents use libraries has changed, the need for “free and facilitated access” to information, culture, and advice is high in the city.

“Public libraries in Birmingham have a long and strong track record of adapting to new demands and changed circumstances,” it continued.

“Therefore, an essential review and redesign of the way we provide information and library services in Birmingham offers the best route towards a long-term, effective and sustainable solution.”

A spokesperson for the council said earlier this year: “Our community libraries are all valued assets that provide information, foster knowledge, and offer trusted spaces for residents. While we must operate within budget constraints, we are committed to preserving access to vital library resources and services to meet both current and future resident needs.”

Final decisions have not been made on what the future library service will look like and the online consultation can be found here.

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