Spring Hill Library has been a vital community hub for the people of Ladywood and Hockley since 1893. This majestic Victorian marvel is a reminder of how fantastic community spaces can be. But it’s at risk of permanent closure due to Birmingham City Council’s planned cuts to library services.
It closed ‘temporarily’ for heating repairs on 14 December 2022. All the books remain on the shelves, and a two-year-old Council poster still on the side door promises that ‘the problem is being addressed as a top priority and the library will re-open as soon as heating has been restored.’ The Council now say they can’t afford it. But there is hope. Thanks to the efforts of library campaigners across Birmingham, the plans have been halted to allow for further scrutiny.
This splendid library has a weird and wonderful history. According to local legend, when the circus came to town in 1930, an escaped lion was spotted prowling past its windows. Former neighbours included an iron monger, herbalist and confectioner. The Palace cinema stood opposite, and The Mint down the road made coins for over 100 countries.
It has survived accidents and demolition threats. In 1949, a bus toppled onto the pavement outside, killing one and permanently marking the library wall. Despite becoming Grade II* listed in 1968, it almost got knocked down in the 1970s when it was in the way of a planned Ring Road. Thankfully The Victorian Society stepped in to save it and the Ring Road was rerouted.
In 2010, Tesco built a supermarket next door and invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in the library building, adding a lift and new entrance. Tesco’s Chief Architect Martin Young said at the time: ‘We’re pleased to have worked with Birmingham City Council and English Heritage to enhance this unique library and improve access for the benefit and enjoyment of the whole community… We hope it will provide a focal point for the area for many years to come and that the store will encourage more people to visit the library.’
Only four years later, in 2014, the Council proposed to close the library down but it survived thanks to tireless campaigning by the Friends of Spring Hill Library. Now, less than ten years on, it’s under threat once again.
Ladywood is in desperate need of community spaces as so many have closed down in recent years. It has the worst rate of child poverty in the UK, at 55%, and many residents face financial hardship. A large number are experiencing a period of immense upheaval due to the Council’s plan to redevelop the area. Under the campaign group Ladywood Unite, people are rising up to defend their homes from demolition. Spring Hill Library, which is just outside the proposed redevelopment zone, could and should provide a much-needed safe haven, meeting point and source of information to help bring the community together.
Spring Hill Library was thriving before its temporary closure. Footfall rose by over 40% after Covid and it had 4,759 members. As well as lending books, it was a warm place to visit for a natter, helping to combat loneliness and isolation and boosting mental health. For adults, there was a Reading for Wellbeing group, free computer access, conversational English classes for unemployed people, a stitching group, World Book Night events, talks by local historians, and even a mini museum featuring old manufacturing items. For children, there was a Stay and Play group, a chess club, a summer holiday club in collaboration with The Reading Agency, reading challenges and craft workshops, among other things.
It's been suggested that local residents could use the Library of Birmingham in the city centre instead, but while it’s an impressive space, it doesn’t feel like a local community library. It doesn’t provide all the free activities that Spring Hill did, and the extra distance makes it less accessible for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The Council has advised that their current financial situation makes reopening impossible due to funds needed to fix the heating and that government commissioner approval is required for any non-essential expenditure. It’s disappointing that maintaining a statutory, purpose-built library is not considered essential, particularly a Grade II* listed one.
When writing this post, I’ve been inundated with comments in support of Spring Hill Library, revealing the huge impact its loss would have.
Jamie Barton, former Jewellery Quarter Academy head teacher from 2021 to 2023, said: ‘I worked with the library to give all pupils a Birmingham libraries card. We encouraged them to visit by arranging tours. It would be a massive loss to that community.’
Local resident Rochelle Edwards said: ‘It was a lifeline to me on maternity leave. It was a great community space and the only free Stay and Play group within walking distance. I met so many new moms there. It will be a shame to see it go for good.’
Local resident Jenny Tan said: ‘It was a lovely little library conveniently placed beside Tesco. I used to go there with my child a lot. The staff were so friendly and kind. It was a shame when it closed. I honestly thought it would open in spring or summer when the weather was warmer but it never did. ’
Local resident Nadia Moon said: ‘My son got his first library card from there when he was six months old. So sad that it never reopened. Made no sense really as why was no heating an issue come spring 2023?’
Local resident Andy said: ‘We used it regularly, taking our kids there from when they were very little. All four have become avid readers. I often used to meet people there so there was a social benefit for us too.’
Local resident Leslie Strong said: ‘For those of us fortunate enough to have Ladywood in our blood, the library at Spring Hill was not only an iconic landmark but a source of education, recreation and enlightenment.’
Local resident Karen Horsley said: ‘Me and my family had been using this library for years. My mom joined us all up when we were two or three and now I'm 43. I joined my own children up to the library. We enjoyed our weekly visits. No other library feels so welcoming and original. It's an amazing library in an amazing building. It was like walking into a dream for me.’
Former resident Peter Heath said: ‘I love this library, it's where my passion for reading was born. The lovely interior was magic. I read three books a week. I went on to become a lecturer in sociology and history. I truly believe it was Spring Hill Library that fired my love of reading, history and many other things. I would be appalled if it were to close permanently, and fear for the future of such a lovely old building, part of our history and culture.'
Former resident Beverly Gregson said: ‘I spent hours in there as a child. I still have a love of books at the age of 81.’
Former resident Joyce Connor said: ‘I was five years old when I joined Spring Hill Library. I’ve had a love of books ever since. I’ll be 90 in July. Long lasting memories of the joy of being able to browse and choose books have never left me.’
Former resident Kim McKenzie said: ‘I used to live across the road from the library and used it from the age of seven. Even as a child, the whole building and atmosphere felt very special. It’s an iconic building and place that means so much, to so many. It needs to be preserved.’
Linda J Field said: 'My mother and her family lived on Spring Hill. Her father was gassed during World War I and returned home with mental health issues. He spent most of his time in the library. My mother told me when she was little that in the library was the only time she found him at peace.’
Former resident Ken Tranter said: ‘That building was my sanctuary. Our house had one room downstairs, where my mother cooked and we lived. So being able to go to the library and spend my time reading and learning was a Godsend. There are still those in Ladywood who are replicating my childhood, who won't have the opportunity to find the peace and tranquillity I enjoyed if they close this magnificent part of my heritage. I owe that building so much. I’m afraid those making the decision about its future would never have needed its sanctum. The knowledge I gained there enabled me in later life to have a successful military career, a successful business, and become the Mayor of Dover.’
Elaine Hemming, administrator for the group Memories of Ladywood and the Surrounding Area, said: ‘I used the Library for research on Ladywood, Brookfields, Hockley and Winson Green. My Mom came from Ladywood and knew nothing about the area and wanted to know more. They had a very good history section. I would love to see this library reopen for the people who live in the area. Not many want to travel into the city for the main library.’
Spring Hill Library’s former Children’s Librarian and Team Leader Maggie Norwood said: ‘Spring Hill library is very significant as it’s one of Birmingham’s earliest libraries from when there was a belief in supporting people’s progress rather than cutting off all cultural experience which seems to be happening now. A huge amount of work was done by us all to support children. It was a poor area and many parents expressed lack of confidence so we tried to help fill gaps.’
Spring Hill Library’s former Librarian Mike Reed said: ‘This library is and should be at the heart of the area, it IS the history of the area and all of the people and is therefore critical to the future of all of its residents. It has a key role in developing community cohesion.’
This lovely library has survived a bus crash, two World Wars and a global pandemic. Let’s get it reopened! To help save Spring Hill Library, please sign the petition here. Thank you!
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