Residents’ new chapter in battle with library cuts
Campaign to save Acocks Green library is ‘emerging trend’
RESIDENTS are planning to form a “resistance” against Birmingham City Council’s budget cuts as libraries across the city face possible closure.
The Labour-run authority is set to slash services across the city as it faces an enormous budget gap of around £300 million.
Amid the of cuts is a proposal to change the Neighbourhood Advice and Information Service (NAIS) and community libraries services into socalled ‘community living rooms’.
That has sparked major concerns for many anxious residents amid fears of possible closures.
Dozens of concerned Acocks Green residents met on Saturday to discuss how to fight back if closures do go ahead and how important libraries are to the wider community.
The Save Acocks Green Library Campaign says it is part of a rapidly emerging trend of grassroots campaigns that have begun to emerge recently across Birmingham.
Alex Thompson, who started a petition to save Acocks Green Library, said: “We need to fight to keep our library open and stand together with libraries across the city
to force the council to change their plans. We’re not going to roll over and let this happen. We have a responsibility to protect our libraries for future generations.”
One person who signed the online petition said: “I want a space to sit with my child, to connect with neighbours, to discover books.”
“This is such a valuable and wellloved community resource,” another said. “A safe, warm space, a hub for meetings and knowledge, without which Acocks Green would be far poorer.” Cllr Roger Harmer (Lib Dem, Acocks Green) described the community meeting as “fantastic”. A Birmingham City Council spokesman said it was going through a “challenging period” and acknowledged it was an unsettling time for many residents.
“Alongside the broader delivery of library services throughout the city, the process of deciding which... become hubs will undergo extensive consultation across online and inperson formats,” the spokesman said.
“Our community libraries are all valued assets that provide information, foster knowledge and offer trusted spaces for residents. While we must operate within budget constraints, we are committed to preserving access to vital library resources and services to meet both current and future resident needs.
“In each locality, we will explore all possibilities for future library provision.
“Subsequently, we will encourage Birmingham residents and stakeholders to participate in public consultations to help shape the library services of tomorrow.
“We highly value input and feedback from our diverse communities, ensuring that all voices are heard in this process.”
We’re not going to roll over and let this happen. We have a responsibility to future generations. Alex Thompson