Bilston Library user concerned by possible move
The proposed relocation of a historic library would be a "huge blow" for the community, according to a concerned user.
Bilston Library could be relocated from its Grade II listed home in Mount Pleasant to Bilston Town Hall under one proposal put forward by council bosses.
Various options have been put to the public with a consultation ongoing until May 21.
Matt Mills, aged 37, from Ettingshall Park, is so concerned by a potential move he has written to the council and individual councillors outlining why he thinks Bilston Library should stay put.
He said: "I was making the point that Bilston library is very important and plays a key role in the communities within Bilston.
"Many important services are run from there, it is popular, and there is nothing wrong with the present location.
"Bilston seems to have lost too much in recent years and a lot of people want to see the library stay where it is."
Bilston Library has been based in Mount Pleasant for 145 years.
Other proposals put to the public as part of the consultation include relocating Low Hill library to Low Hill Community Hub and East Park to an unknown location.
The council also wants to invite businesses to set up bases in some of the libraries, including Finchfield, Whitmore Reans, Spring Vale and Penn.
The council is also exploring the possibility of the public supporting the running of libraries. These include Finchfield, Pendeford, Penn, Spring Vale, East Park, Tettenhall, Wednesfield, Whitmore Reans.
At Warstones, the council is considering building a new library at the same location which would form part of a new Community Health Hub.
Self-service facilities are also being considered by the council for some of the libraries in order to extend the opening hours when no staff are available.
The council is not proposing to reduce the number of libraries in the borough, currently 16.
When launching the consultation, Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said: “The purpose of the strategy is to improve library services for people who live, work, study and visit Wolverhampton and set out how we will deliver local and national priorities, in the context of changing demands and customer needs."
