We, the undersigned, oppose proposals to close Stirchley Library on alternate Saturdays.

Saturday is the busiest day at Stirchley Library. It’s the only opportunity many local residents have to visit —especially those who work or study during the week, families with young children, and school-age children.

The library currently hosts seven monthly Saturday activities, including Lego Club, Storytots, two adult reading groups, Board Games & Chess, Stitch & Mend group, and Children’s Crafts. If Saturday opening is reduced, only three of these would continue. This directly impacts the people who rely most on the library and damages its role as a vital community hub.

Birmingham City Council has a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” library service for all. Closing Stirchley Library on its busiest day fails to meet this standard and disproportionately affects working people, families, and children.

We are also concerned that we were not asked about Saturday closures in the recent city-wide library consultation. It is unacceptable for such a significant decision to be made without public input.

Stirchley Library has been closed on Thursdays for nearly a year—a measure described as “temporary” but with no real recruitment efforts to restore staffing - qualified local applicants were turned away. Now, more cuts are proposed without clarity on how the library’s full 21-hour weekly allocation will be delivered, or when. We call on the Council to explain how and when these 21 hours will be provided and to publish a clear implementation timetable.

Since 2017, the community has stepped up to support the library through the Friends of Stirchley Library. Our volunteer network extends opening hours at lunchtimes on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and for 6 hours on Wednesdays, and supports regular community activities—including many on Saturdays. Cutting Saturday hours directly undermines these efforts and is demoralising for these dedicated volunteers.

Stirchley Library is an essential space for learning, connection, creativity, and opportunity. Our community needs more access—not less.

We urge Birmingham City Council to protect full Saturday opening at Stirchley Library and to invest in, not dismantle, this vital public service.