I am a resident of Hall Green, Birmingham, UK and the potential closure of our local library deeply concerns me. Our children use this library on a daily basis to access the internet and books. It also serves as a safe place for them while waiting for their parents. With three schools and one college in close proximity, the library is an indispensable resource for our young learners.

The Hall Green Library is not just a building with books; it's an essential part of our community that fosters learning and growth among our youth. The importance of libraries in promoting literacy cannot be overstated - according to the National Literacy Trust, children who use their local libraries are twice as likely to be above-average readers.

Furthermore, libraries provide free access to computers and internet which is crucial in today’s digital age where much homework requires online research or digital submission. According to Ofcom’s 2019 report on Media Use and Attitudes, 7% of households in the UK do not have internet access at home – this figure rises significantly among lower-income households.

Closing down Hall Green Library would deprive many families from these essential services that they might not otherwise afford or have easy access to elsewhere. We urge you to reconsider this decision for the sake of education, literacy, digital inclusion and community spirit in Hall Green.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every child deserves equal opportunities for education regardless of their socio-economic background. Let us keep Hall Green Library open!