Primary school pupils bemoan proposed Birmingham library losses

Primary school pupils have described proposed cuts to library services as “really sad”.

The proposal was announced as part of the authority’s drive to make £300m of savings over the next two years after it effectively declared bankruptcy last year.

The council said it faced a significantly challenging financial situation and had to make “considerable budget savings” across its services.

St Ambrose Barlow Catholic Primary School uses Hall Green Library to help the children with their reading – one of the 25 libraries under threat.

Speaking to BBC Midlands Today, pupil Bianca said: “Many libraries have many books, so this allows people who may not be able to afford a book to have the privilege of reading.”

Rory described libraries as “really amazing places” for people to go to.

“If you aren’t able to go there, it’s just really sad,” he said.

Headteacher John Clinton said closing libraries would disadvantage children who use them, adding: “If you limit their access to books, you limit their learning.”

Protests were held outside the council house in Birmingham on Tuesday as the campaign against the proposed cuts continued.

Kate Taylor, organizer of campaign group Brum Rise Up, called on the new Labour-led government to make more money available to local authorities.

“The councils prop up the people who live there and without that funding, without the services they rely on, their lives are going to fall apart,” she said.

The plan for the city’s libraries is currently the subject of a public consultation, which runs until July 17.

A final consultation is set to begin in late August and run into September, before a final decision is made.

Councilor Saima Suleman said the authority recognized the need for free access to information, culture and advice.

She added: “Like many other local councils, we continue to face a significantly challenging financial situation and are required to make considerable budget savings across all our services.”