Conservative councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore have called on Birmingham's new council leadership to safeguard the city's libraries after major roof repairs at Erdington Library were reportedly delayed until November, risking further damage from winter weather.
Erdington Library Closure and Delayed Works
Erdington Library temporarily closed earlier this year for planned structural works on its roof and windows, along with lighting upgrades. However, the councillors said they were 'hugely disappointed' to learn the work may not start until November, a delay they attribute to the council seeking Listed Building Consent. They argued that starting in winter could allow frost, rain, and freezing temperatures to worsen the building's condition, potentially increasing costs.
Coun Alden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'Starting the work in the winter risks freeze, frost and rain getting into the building and worsening the situation – that puts up the cost to the council. We want to make sure Erdington Library is restored and reopened for residents. It's a vital community asset in the heart of the centre and that's why we need to get this work done quickly so it can get reopened.'
Calls for Library Protection Citywide
Coun Alden also addressed the broader management of libraries across Birmingham, noting that many councillors in the new administration had campaigned to protect their local libraries. He said: 'I very much hope the new administration will want to continue on that theme and look to make sure we protect our libraries. Birmingham has higher levels of people being unable to read compared to the rest of the country. It's so vital therefore that kids in this city have access to books and are able to go in their local library – that's why they need to be protected.'
The council, now run by a coalition including the Liberal Democrats, Greens, and independents, had earlier this year promised additional funding to 'protect our libraries and keep them open for longer, with Community Hubs open for an extra day, every week'. Deputy leader Green councillor Julien Pritchard previously stated his party wanted to invest to 'make sure that all community libraries are given the repair they need within three years'.
Recent Library Closures and Concerns
The library service has faced recent closures: Sutton Coldfield's town centre library shut last year due to safety concerns, and the council approved the permanent closure of Spring Hill Library after it temporarily closed in 2022. The councillors emphasised that Erdington Library's roof is 'desperately needed' before winter to avoid rapid damage worsening.
They wrote: 'However, delays within the planning department mean a decision is not expected until October, which would mean work could then start in November – which is a substantial delay. We have made it clear that a new roof is desperately needed before the winter to avoid the risk of the damage worsening rapidly during cold weather.' They added that the delay is 'hugely disappointing' but welcomed the council's continued commitment to the work, attributing it to 'dedication and passion that local residents, the Friends of the Library and ourselves have shown for the library'. Their goal is to restore the 'much-loved heritage asset' as a fully functioning library.
Council Response and Next Steps
Birmingham City Council stated it is 'investing in the future of Erdington Library', with major works due to start in late Autumn 2026. The council said: 'These major works are due to start late Autumn 2026 and are an exciting step forward in our plans to modernise our library service through enhancing facilities, reducing our environmental impact, and upgrading health and safety measures. Work at Erdington Library follows its necessary closure earlier this year and will include structural works on the roof and windows, as well as lighting upgrades and reinstating the visitors' toilets.'
The council added that while the library remains closed, Perry Common Library is open additional hours on Fridays to minimise impact, and regular updates will be provided with a timeline shared in 'due course'.
