Good news!

From the library on facebook:

From the 12th March, for 2 weeks, Stirchley Library will be closed to allow for the removal of asbestos from the building. This is the first step towards a replacement boiler being installed. We will reopen on Saturday 24th March for a week, then be closed the 31st March for Easter. We will be back to our regular hours from the 3rd April.

On the 2 Tuesdays (13th and 20th) we will be running our regular StoryTots session from Touchbase Pears at its regular time, 9:45 – 10:15. Touchbase Pears is located on the Bristol Road and hosts Selly Oak Library so you will be able to borrow books. On a Tuesday Touchbase Pears also offer a messy play session from 10:30 – 11:30 in their café for only a £1 donation. Our Bournville Bookfest event on the 20th March will also be held at Touchbase Pears.

For more information, please comment, message or ask a member of staff

£95,000 in funding has been secured for the boiler, asbestos removal and roof repairs. Thanks to the council, our local Cllr Mary Locke, and FOSL’s campaigning work in securing Section 106 money from the Tesco development (of which the development in Stirchley is not going ahead).

Liz Parkes has been instrumental in this process over the last year – working closely with the library staff, FOSL, Heritage England and the council contractors who will be undertaking the repair work.

We will need to do more fundraising in the coming years for greener energy, but for the time being, the library is very much saved from moving into another building.