300 people turn up to Save Acocks Green library!

Over 300 local people turned up at Acocks Green library on Saturday to take part in a “read in” protest.

Commenting on the protest, Cllr Harmer said:

“Even though it is raining today people have turned up at short notice and in significant numbers to support their local library. It’s a treasure to them.

“Libraries have a fantastic history. The first UK library was founded in Manchester in1653. Shortly after that, the first Birmingham library opened around 1656.

“A good library connects people to the services and information they need, as well as access to books for all.

““They offer a public, peaceful and neutral space. Libraries are a place for people to focus, study and grow. They provide well used rooms for a wide range of community groups to meet, and for many without a computer at home; somewhere to gain access to the online world.”

“Our vision of a better Birmingham centres around services being delivered as locally as possible, and libraries are key to that. 

“With local input, libraries can be reimagined and creatively developed, opening them up to new opportunities whilst maintaining their relevance and rightful place at the heart of the community.

Cllr Penny Wagg added:

“Look around here and you see people of all ages using this library. I’ve spoken today to a seventeen-year-old girl who comes here at least three times a week to do her A level studies so that she can get some peace from her little sister! There are a lot of older people who live alone, who come here for company, information and of course for the fabulous books. We don’t want to lose that!”