Birmingham residents prepare to protest possible library closures

Earlier this month, Birmingham City Council voted to pass a budget which sets out how the Labour-run authority will slash several services across the city and raise council tax as it faces an enormous budget gap.

While a consultation to shape the future of the city’s library service will be opening soon following the budget’s approval, hundreds of worried residents have signed online petitions against any possible closures while others have launched campaign groups.

Those behind one such campaign say that residents in both Acocks Green and Kings Heath are planning ‘read-ins’ at their local libraries from 2pm this Saturday as part of a public protest.

The Save Acocks Green Library Campaign adds that this weekend’s action is just the start of several protests and community events expected to take place over the next few months.

Alex Thompson, who previously started a petition to save Acocks Green Library, said: “We need to fight to keep our library open and stand together with libraries across the city to force the council to change their plans.

“We are not going to roll over and let this happen. We have a responsibility to protect our libraries for future generations.”

One person who signed the petition – which has just under 1,000 signatures as of Friday – wrote: “The library is an important community resource, many people cannot afford to buy books.

“It is also a valuable meeting point and they run groups that are well attended.”

“I spent most of my school life in this library,” another added. “It wouldn’t be Acocks Green without it.”

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said it was going through a “challenging period” and acknowledged it was an unsettling time for many residents.

“Alongside the broader delivery of library services throughout the city, the process of deciding which libraries become hubs will undergo extensive consultation across online and in-person formats,” they said.

“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.”

They added: “In each locality, we will explore all possibilities for future library provision.

“Subsequently, we will encourage Birmingham residents and stakeholders to participate in public consultations to help shape the library services of tomorrow.

“We highly value input and feedback from our diverse communities, ensuring that all voices are heard in this process.”

Meanwhile Katherine Iroh, Labour councillor for Billesley, said she had recently discussed the possibility of saving libraries through an “alternative model” with cabinet member Councillor Saima Suleman.

Councillor Iroh, who set up her own petition to save Yardley Wood Library, said: “We are looking at a community asset transfer where a community organisation, or a group of community organisations, sets up a trust which runs the library and applies for grants to help with the costs”.

The Labour-run council has found itself struggling with its finances due to a perfect storm of issues including Birmingham-specific factors, such as an equal pay fiasco and the disastrous implementation of a new IT and finance system, as well as the rising demand for services and the impact of years of austerity.