Spring Hill Library is indeed a historic building which is a grade 2* listed and was apprently built as a free library.
Therefore, the question is being asked why is it being closed along with two other libraries in one of the poorest and deprived areas in the country.
At a well attended meeting last night concerns were expressed about the lack of vision in the decision making process, of issuing intent to close Spring Hill Library in 2015 and sell the building, one can only assume to plug into the black hole developed by the equal Pay fiasco, gripping our Cities finances.
The Cuts have been highlighted as to blame for this action, but the City has a £1.1bn liability for equal pay and who has actually made the decision to close these libraries.
I did point out that the library is on the boundary of the wards of Ladywood and Soho which it serves and it was noted that none out of the six Councillors were in attendance, although someone questioned whether or not they were invited.
Irrespective of this it is clear that there is support for Spring Hill Library to remain open and indeed a representative from Shabana Mahmood's Office who was present who is also a City Councillor in Quinton, did suggest that a group of Friends of Spring Hill Library could help to decide where cuts could be made instead.
The fact is the only choice on the table from the City is to close the Library and sell it off. One has to wonder what is the role of the Officers and indeed the Councillors, should they not be developing alternatives and then consult the residents on their views of how best to use the resources that are available, without placing what they want on the table, which is closure.
I do think it is time for change and people need to hold their Local Councillors to account in this case.
Join the Campaign and SAVE SPRING HILL LIBRARY. The voices of the people of Ladywood must be heard.
THERE IS A PETITION RALLY TOMORROW SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2014, AFTER THE LADYWOOD CONVENTION AT THE COUNCIL HOUSE.
Desmond Jaddoo
Therefore, the question is being asked why is it being closed along with two other libraries in one of the poorest and deprived areas in the country.
At a well attended meeting last night concerns were expressed about the lack of vision in the decision making process, of issuing intent to close Spring Hill Library in 2015 and sell the building, one can only assume to plug into the black hole developed by the equal Pay fiasco, gripping our Cities finances.
The Cuts have been highlighted as to blame for this action, but the City has a £1.1bn liability for equal pay and who has actually made the decision to close these libraries.
I did point out that the library is on the boundary of the wards of Ladywood and Soho which it serves and it was noted that none out of the six Councillors were in attendance, although someone questioned whether or not they were invited.
Irrespective of this it is clear that there is support for Spring Hill Library to remain open and indeed a representative from Shabana Mahmood's Office who was present who is also a City Councillor in Quinton, did suggest that a group of Friends of Spring Hill Library could help to decide where cuts could be made instead.
The fact is the only choice on the table from the City is to close the Library and sell it off. One has to wonder what is the role of the Officers and indeed the Councillors, should they not be developing alternatives and then consult the residents on their views of how best to use the resources that are available, without placing what they want on the table, which is closure.
I do think it is time for change and people need to hold their Local Councillors to account in this case.
Join the Campaign and SAVE SPRING HILL LIBRARY. The voices of the people of Ladywood must be heard.
THERE IS A PETITION RALLY TOMORROW SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2014, AFTER THE LADYWOOD CONVENTION AT THE COUNCIL HOUSE.
Desmond Jaddoo