Harborne Library’s High Street building has been saved from closure following determined campaigns by Birmingham Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill and independent councillor Martin Brooks.
Birmingham City Council has confirmed the library will remain in its current home, despite the authority’s unprecedented financial crisis and widespread service cuts affecting facilities across the city.
Battle against wider closures
The future of Harborne Library was threatened in March 2024 when closure and relocation plans were drawn up as part of cost-cutting measures. Ms Gill led a year-long campaign of meetings and lobbying to ensure the building was not sold.
At the same time, Cllr Brooks, who has been strongly critical of the council’s approach, fronted a grassroots campaign and petition highlighting the threat posed by new restrictions on Saturday opening hours.
Under the plan, only ten Birmingham libraries will open every Saturday, eight will open on alternate Saturdays, and nine will be permanently shut on Saturdays.
Impact on young people
Campaigners warn the cuts will disproportionately affect families, young people and vulnerable residents. Birmingham, the youngest city in Europe, has long relied on its library network to improve opportunities for children.
Cllr Brooks argued that Saturday is often the only day working parents can bring their children, and that Harborne Library – the best-used in the city – should not face restricted access. The site has already been closed every Friday since August 2024 due to staff shortages.
“These further cuts and closures will inevitably lead to the eventual destruction of the city’s library service,” his petition states, urging residents to lobby councillors and MPs to abandon the policy.
Joint community effort
Ms Gill credited local groups including Save Harborne Library petition organisers and the Harborne Library Hub Group for strengthening her campaign.
“The community campaign was vital in demonstrating local support, and I was proud to champion their cause at the highest levels of council,” she said.
While the building has been secured, she acknowledged that the service still faces challenges. Harborne currently opens only on alternate Saturdays, despite strong visitor numbers.
“Securing the building was the crucial first step, but our work isn’t finished,” she said.
