Libraries Set for Refurbishment Under New Connected Communities Service Model

This positive milestone follows Cabinet approval of the new service model in February, with the programme aimed at modernising current library facilities, reducing environmental impact and upgrading health and safety measures, whilst maintaining the safe and welcoming spaces residents enjoy.

Work is set to begin in spring 2026 and some libraries will be closed for a period to allow the refurbishment to be completed.

Residents will be kept informed of all temporary closures and restrictions to access during the refurbishments.

The libraries affected by the programme of works are Acocks Green, Erdington, Hall Green, Handsworth, Kings Heath, Mere Green, Northfield, Perry Common, Quinton and Small Heath.

To minimise disruption to residents during the scheduled works, Saturday opening hours will be extended, ensuring that all libraries currently open on Saturdays, whether weekly or fortnightly, will now open every Saturday.

The works are tailored to each library buildings and improvements include the installation of new more energy-efficient boilers, LED lighting upgrades, and the replacement of fire doors. Each library will receive tailored upgrades based on recent condition surveys, with works prioritised according to building needs.

Funding for the refurbishment has come from the service with additional funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Fund by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to improve the libraries’ energy efficiency. 

Cllr Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism said: “I am pleased to announce an exciting new programme of refurbishment work at up to ten Birmingham community library hubs as part of our new Connected Communities service model.

This is an exciting milestone in our new service model to transform Birmingham’s library and advice services, the refurbishment work will ensure our community library hubs continue to be safe, inclusive spaces for knowledge, connection, and support for all our residents, while also helping us modernise facilities, reduce our carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.

“To reduce impact on residents during the necessary temporary closures, we will be maintaining the Saturday provision with libraries remaining open every Saturday to ensure the service can continues to support residents.