Libraries consultation

About the consultation

The way people use library services has changed significantly, locally and nationally, over the last 5 years.

We are asking for people who live, work or study in Birmingham, and who want to access the service, to help shape the future of the library service for the city.

As more people use technology in their lives, more people are accessing library collections digitally for the flexibility of using the service at a time that suits them.

Since 2014, there has been a reduction in people visiting library buildings, but interest in our online activities and events, mobile service, click-and-collect offering, and home library service has increased.

Like many other local councils, we continue to face a significantly challenging financial situation and are required to make considerable budget savings across all our services.

While savings have been announced, no decisions have been made on what the library service will look like in the future. The consultation outcomes will help inform decisions that will be taken by the council after it has ended.

To find out more about the consultation before you take part, we suggest that you read the following:

Download Birmingham libraries consultation 2024 FAQs

Download Birmingham's Strategic Framework for Library Services

Download libraries consultation launch pack

View Libraries Needs Assessment Dashboard

Download Libraries Needs Assessment appendix

Have your say

Complete our survey

Have your say by responding to the survey on our Be Heard website.

The consultation will close on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

Next steps

Final consultation

From late August to 27 September, the council will be launching the final phase of the libraries consultation.

This final phase will include a summary of the analysed feedback and data collected in the first phase of consultation (4 April to 17 July). It will also include a map of the proposed provision and what the library offer could look like for Birmingham based on the data gathered.

Download final phase consultation presentation slide - the story so far

Attend an in-person consultation session

In-person consultations for each of the libraries will take place from 2 September to 25 September.

These will be drop-in sessions so you will not need to book to attend.

Download list of in-person consultation sessions

Page last updated: 27 June 2024