Key announcements

Due to scheduled maintenance, our 24-hour automated payments line (0121 464 2001) will be unavailable on Sunday 12 July between 8am and midday. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Read the latest advice, information and support about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Library closures

COVID-19: Affected library services

The government announced last week that libraries in England would be able to open, once safe to do so, from 4 July. Plans are underway to re-open libraries in Birmingham as soon as possible while ensuring the safety of staff and library users. To begin with it is likely that libraries reopen with a limited service and depending on individual circumstances. Details of the plans will be shared on our website when they have been confirmed.

Library Services online continue to offer access to eBooks, databases, blogs and children’s activities.

For the latest news on how council services are affected by the current health situation please visit:

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/homepage/351/affected_council_services

For Benefit Verification

Your online form will provide you with details of what evidence we require and how best to provide that evidence to us. You can return to your online form at any time using your form reference number.

For most claims and change in circumstances we do not require further evidence, and your online form will automatically not request any further evidence from you.

Where possible we will use evidence you have previously supplied us or evidence you have provide to claim other benefits to verify your current circumstances.

If we have asked you to upload evidence you can do this at any time, by returning to your online form.

If your online form has requested evidence and you have not been given the option to upload the evidence, or are not able to upload the evidence, then you should follow the guidance below:

If you are making a claim for council tax support only and you currently claim Universal Credit, you will not need to provide us documents through the post.

If you are required to post evidence this should be sent to the address below:

Benefit Service
Birmingham City Council
PO Box 8267
Birmingham
B4 7XF

Library of Birmingham

Library of Birmingham phone line is now open Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm. (Community Libraries are not currently taking phone calls)

Please be patient with us, as we expect high call volumes. When telephoning please be aware that staff are working from home with limited access to specific information.

You can also email enquiries@libraryofbirmingham.com

Please be aware that the Terraces on Level 3 and 7, the Skyline and Shakespeare Memorial Room on level 9 could be closed without notice. These may be due to inclement weather, essential maintenance or a private event.

Wolfson centre (for archival research) closure weeks

  • Closed from Monday 14 September 2020, reopening 22 September 2020
  • Closed from Monday 28 December 2020, reopening 5 January 2021

Community libraries

All Birmingham libraries are closed until further notice.

Bank Holidays

All libraries will be closed:

  • Bank Holiday Monday - 31 August 2020
  • Christmas Day - Friday 25 December
  • Boxing Day - Monday 28 December 2020
  • New Year's Day - Friday 1 January 2021

Closure over the rest of the Christmas period to be decided.

  • Good Friday - Friday 2 April 2021
  • Easter Monday - Monday 5 April 2021
  • Early May Bank Holiday - Monday 3 May 2021
  • Spring Bank Holiday - Monday 31 May 2021
  • Summer Bank Holiday - Monday 30 August 2021
  • Substitute Christmas Day - Monday 27 December 2021
  • Substitute Boxing Day - Tuesday 28 December 2021

Kings Norton library is closed on the Tuesday following a bank holiday.