Opinions sought over library cuts in Birmingham

People have been asked about proposals for the future of library services in Birmingham

A consultation on the future on Birmingham’s libraries has been launched as the "bankrupt" city council looks to save money.

The authority said maintaining its current provision of 35 community libraries was “unrealistic” due to the deterioration of library buildings, increased running costs and insufficient staffing levels.

In September, the council issued a section 114 notice - effectively declaring itself bankrupt - and in March released details of £300m savings over the next two years.

The council said more people were using library services digitally and its library buildings have seen fewer visitors over the past decade.

"Considerable budget savings" were needed from all the authority's services, a spokesperson said.

“While savings have been announced, no decisions have been made on what the library service will look like in the future,” they added.

In March, campaigners said the city's community libraries needed to be protected and thousands of people signed petitions across the city backing the idea.

Campaigners have urged the council to protect the city's community libraries

Interest in online activities and events, the mobile library service, click-and-collect book loans and the home library service had increased, the council said.

The proposals recommend a move away from the current 35 community libraries to a mixed offering which would have 25 "building-based library services" along with an expanded mobile library service, virtual library, self-service and libraries at home provision.

The number of community libraries in the proposals may change, the council said, depending on the feedback from the consultation.

The plans also include suggestions of the council running community library hubs with library and early intervention and prevention services, for a combination of five days per week or for part-time hours.

Library staff could also be "co-located" with community organisations in order to continue providing library services or offer library services to local community groups through a community asset transfer, as other options.

The Save Birmingham Campaign has called on the council to transfer the assets into community ownership and create a libraries trust.

People can share their views by completing a questionnaire online.