Birmingham City Council has unveiled plans to close twenty-five neighborhood libraries and consolidate services into 11 combined library and advice services to be known as ‘Community Living Rooms’.

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern and opposition to the closure of Stirchley Library and the proposed plans to leave only one library per constituency across the city, severely impacting access to vital community resources. If only one library were to remain in Selly Oak constituency, many residents would be a two-bus journey away from their nearest library. Access to libraries would no longer be equitable, with those who rely on public transport being severely disadvantaged, and the least well off, the elderly, disabled, and parents with pushchairs being most especially affected. We recognise that the financial situation is serious, but we are mindful that there is statutory duty to deliver a ‘comprehensive and efficient library service’.

Community libraries, such as Stirchley Library, are not just book-lending services; they are preventative measures against a myriad of health, well-being, and social care issues. By providing equal access to knowledge, supporting education and learning, fostering cultural enrichment, and addressing issues of digital inclusion, community libraries play a crucial role in preventing costly health and social care challenges. Studies have shown that libraries generate a value of £3.4 billion per year (Libraries Connected/Arts Council 2023) in terms of digital inclusion, children’s literacy, and wellbeing.

The closure of Stirchley Library and others would not only limit access to essential resources but also increase need across the city leading to a counterproductive impact on public health and social well-being. We implore decision-makers to reconsider these cuts, recognising the long-term value and preventive benefits that community libraries bring to the residents they serve, and to look at all options, including working with communities to ensure no community loses its library, and the statutory duty is adhered to. 

As highlighted by CILIP - the library and information association https://www.cilip.org.uk/ libraries provide vitally important benefits, and we draw your attention to the critical role that Stirchley Library, like other local libraries, plays in our community:

• Equal Access to Knowledge: Stirchley Library is an invaluable community hub, offering free and universal access to educational resources, promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information for all members of the community. If only one library were to remain in Selly Oak constituency, access to knowledge would no longer be equitable, with those who rely on public transport being severely disadvantaged.
• Support for Education and Learning: Stirchley Library is a vital partner in education, providing essential resources and support to students of all ages, bridging the digital divide, and helping individuals succeed in life. Stirchley Library runs reading challenges, hosts a literacy initiative for preschool children, and is the local library for seven Primary schools. For the children of Stirchley Primary, who have no school library, Stirchley Library is the only local library. 
• Cultural Enrichment and Community Engagement: Stirchley Library fosters a sense of community belonging by promoting creativity, imagination, and cultural enrichment through diverse activities. Stirchley Library is home to Lego Club, Jigsaw Club, Storytots, Adult Reading Group, Board Games, Family craft sessions, warm welcome coffee mornings, art exhibitions, and heritage open days. Stirchley Library sources the books for several local book clubs. Stirchley Library is home to Friends of Stirchley Library (FOSL) who run community days, activities, and events, and to Stirchley Art Room CIC who runs four free art club sessions a week for adults in Stirchley Library, including sessions commissioned by Birmingham City Council under the Prevention & Communities programme and Neighbourhood Network Scheme. Stirchley Art Room regularly brings in room hire income for Stirchley Library. 
• Digital Inclusion and Technology Access: In an increasingly digital world, Stirchley Library plays a crucial role in promoting digital literacy and providing access to technology, ensuring everyone can develop essential digital skills. 
• Economic Impact and Social Cohesion: Libraries contribute to the economic vitality of communities by supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and job seekers through resources like business development programs, CV clinics, and job seeker resources. Stirchley Library offers volunteer opportunities to young people and works closely with Friends of Stirchley Library (FOSL) who run a volunteer network with an externally funded Volunteer Coordinator. FOSL volunteers have gained employment in other roles, including in library services.
• Driving Health and Wellbeing: Since the pandemic, libraries have emerged as essential partners to public health services, providing access to health information, promoting health and digital literacy, and connecting people to well-being activities and social care, as evidenced by the range of activity already listed, Stirchley Library is no exception.
• Tackling Social Isolation: Stirchley Library serves as a safe, trusted, and inclusive space, playing a significant role in helping to tackle the complex effects of social isolation through activities and services for the community.