Giving the Reading Agency annual lecture on the future of reading and libraries Neil Gaiman argues that "Libraries are places that people go to for information. Books are only the tip of the information iceberg: they are there, and libraries can provide you freely and legally with books. More children are borrowing books from libraries than ever before – books of all kinds: paper and digital and audio. But libraries are also, for example, places that people, who may not have computers, who may not have internetconnections, can go online without paying anything: hugely important when the way you find out about jobs, apply for jobs or apply for benefits is increasingly migrating exclusively online. Librarians can help these people navigate that world."

Community based libraries provide a vital service for all sectors of the community, but despite its statutory nature, the public library service is under serious threat as local authorities tighten their belts as budgets are heavily reduced. Here in Hall Green Ward we have one community library serving the interests of over 26,000 residents with 7000 of these being under the age of 16. Our library is one of two assets that Hall Green has, the other being its community centre - Highfield Hall. We must protect these assets, both under serious threat as a result of the service reviews being undertaken.