Have your say as libraries consultation final phase launches
The final phase of the libraries consultation launch aims to gain feedback to the options available for the future of Community Library Services.
The final phase of the Birmingham libraries consultation launches today until Friday 27 September.
This final phase will include a summary of the analysed feedback and data collected in the first phase of consultation. It will also share proposed options and a map of the proposed provision on what the library offer could look like for Birmingham based on the data gathered.
The new online Be Heard survey will be launched and aims to capture your feedback of what the future of our library service could look like under the proposed options at each one of our community libraries.
The in-person consultations will take place from 2 September to 26 September. These will be drop-in sessions so you will not need to book to attend. A list of the in-person consultations can be found here.
Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “Thank you to the thousands of residents from across Birmingham who had their say on the future of our library service during the first phase of our library consultation.
“We aimed to capture the thoughts of those who live, work, study and have an interest in the city and its library services in our updated proposals which we have published today.
“Under our new proposals, we have shared what the future of our library service could look like, with our recommended option providing 28 building-based libraries funded by BCC which includes a Community Library Hub in each constituency.
“There is also potential for up to 34 Library based buildings with the inclusion of Partner led Libraries.
“Crucially, in our Community library hubs we will offer people the support that they need – from benefits advice to housing support, we will help to prevent people from falling into crisis, ensuring that people can access the support that they need in their neighbourhood.
“These options will now be shared in the final phase of the libraries consultation which will allow you to have your say on the proposed outcomes at each one of our community libraries.”
Everyone who lives, works and study in Birmingham will have the chance to shape a better library service that will benefit people across our city for years to come, so please continue to have your say in the weeks ahead.
Following the final phase of the consultation, the council team will analyse the results and present this in the council’s Cabinet meeting later in the year. Final decisions will not be made until after the meeting after the close of the consultation and results will be shared in advance across the council’s channels.
Dates for the final phase of the consultation will be shared on the council’s website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/budgetconsultations