Save our Libraries from ‘Mixed Delivery Model’ Cuts

On 11th May we joined an awareness walk and talked with residents about why Libraries were important to them.

In Council House discussion is about how well or not consultation is working, or how many libraries to close, or partially close in a ‘mixed delivery model’, but if, as we found, Libraries and Librarians are adding value and supporting residents to achieve their potential, how can we afford to close even one Library?

Libraries are a meeting place for local communities, bringing people together and providing essential services. In an era when there are fewer and fewer free places for young and old, people from across every community to call their own, our Libraries still offer a safe space for people to be. Everyone has a story about their Library. This walk brought home to all of us how any loss will leave gaps across Birmingham, areas where people literally cannot walk to a Library. Selective use of statistical data for Library use ‘demonstrates’ falling demand for Libraries in Birmingham, but it follows perverse austerity logic – if Libaries are closed for more time, can you be surprised fewer people may visit them?

Birmingham’s Libraries are as unique as the areas they represent, providing quality services to meet the needs of their local residents and reflecting local culture on their shelves and in their activities. Judging from reactions from local residents on the walk as well as people we met on the way, Birmingham Loves it’s Libraries and needs to keep all of them.

To find out more contact foslvolunteers@gmail.com, Save Birmingham Libraries, Save Birmingham

Thanks to PHC team Soheila Javaheri film maker, Diane Malcolm, Marcus Belben, Nikki Thorpe interviewers.