Libraries across Solihull are now set to become 'community hubs' after concerns over them being underused. Three libraries in the borough look set to go even further with new swipe card technology being introduced.
The proposals were discussed at the latest meeting of Solihull Council's cabinet portfolio holder for communities decision session. The authority currently operates 14 libraries including The Core, which already offers services such as health monitoring and registering births and deaths at its Homer Road site.
Plans to Expand Library Services
Introducing the plans, officer Alison McGrory, the authority's assistant director for communities and partnerships, said: “We are very lucky to have a number of libraries and they are placed strategically at the heart of our communities. However, over the last 10 years, usage for traditional library services has waned, which has meant the opening hours have tended to reduce. That’s why we are looking to develop our library buildings as community assets.”
Councillors heard the plan is for all libraries to become community hubs, which 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. “We also want to extend use of the buildings outside standard staffed hours by exploring the use of swiped access technology,” the officer added.
Swipe Card Trial Locations
Dickens Heath in Old Dickens Heath Road, Balsall Common in Kenilworth Road, and Hobs Moat in Ulleries Road have been selected for the trial of swipe card technology. A fourth library, Castle Bromwich in Hurst Lane North, has been identified as a reserve location for a trial “if there are any issues with any of the sites which prevent the implementation of the technology”.
The officer said the funding for the new technology had come from West Midlands Combined Authority, but residents will be consulted before swipe card technology is introduced at any of the sites.
Security and Staffing Concerns
Councillor Laura McCarthy asked: “How will security be maintained on the site? Will there be age restrictions?” The officer said CCTV would be installed and monitored, and all users would be given an induction setting out conditions of use. “At the moment we are looking for it to be adults only,” the officer added.
Coun McCarthy then asked if staffed hours would be cut and if current staffing levels would be maintained. “The intention isn’t to cut staffed hours, it is to supplement the hours of opening,” the officer replied. “Having two members of library staff currently in every library, if we are bringing in other services then potentially we could open with one member of library staff with other staff. It is a bit early to say in terms of what the exact staffing model would look like.”
But the officer stressed residents should not be concerned their local library will close. “This is absolutely not what this is about,” the officer added.
Councillor Wazma Qais, the portfolio holder, said: “This is about expanding the community services and most importantly what residents actually want. The consultation is very important because we want to get responses from residents and what they want to see.”
Coun Qais approved the community hub move and swipe card trial at the meeting held virtually on June 16.
