The locations of three libraries in Solihull being proposed to trial new community hubs have been revealed. Solihull Council plans to transform these libraries into places where residents can access a range of support services, addressing concerns that they are currently underused.
The authority operates 14 libraries, including The Core on Homer Road, which already provides services such as health monitoring and registering births and deaths. Now, the libraries at Dickens Heath in Old Dickens Heath Road, Balsall Common in Kenilworth Road, and Hobs Moat in Ulleries Road have been selected to offer additional services as part of a trial.
Trial Recommendation Details
The trial recommendation will be considered at the next meeting of the cabinet portfolio holder for communities. A report prepared for that meeting states: Libraries are a valued and important asset within local communities. However, in recent years, opening hours have reduced in response to changing patterns of use. This presents a significant opportunity to maximise the use of these buildings by bringing services closer to residents and enabling more flexible use of the spaces to reflect the needs and priorities of local communities.
Expanded Services and Flexible Access
The report outlines that as community hubs, these libraries would expand access to services and activities, enable co-location of council and partner services including potential links to GP practices and family hubs, and offer improved digital access and flexible community space. Swipe card access technology will be introduced as part of a pilot to enable extended access beyond staffed hours. This will allow residents, community groups, and partner organisations to use library facilities at times that suit them. Swipe access will complement the current staffed provision, who will continue to provide essential support, expertise, and community engagement where needed.
Reserve Location and Rationale
Officers have identified a fourth library, Castle Bromwich in Hurst Lane North, as a reserve location for a trial if there are any issues with any of the sites that prevent the implementation of the technology. A key reason for the trial highlighted in the report is that continuing the current approach to library opening hours is not a viable long-term option, with officers adding that some libraries are being underutilised, leading to restricted hours and limited access.
The cabinet portfolio holder, Councillor Wazma Qais, will make a decision on whether to approve the trial at a virtual meeting on June 16.
