A vital community library in Birmingham has been rescued from potential closure after a new partnership successfully secured its future.
Collaborative Effort Secures Library's Future
Frankley Library will remain open thanks to a new agreement between Northfield Community Partnership (NCP), King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy, and Birmingham City Council. The library had been identified as a potential partner-led service under the Birmingham Libraries Cabinet report agreed on 12th February 2025, with closure looming if no suitable partner came forward.
Rebecca Debenham, CEO of Northfield Community Partnership, expressed delight at the initiative: "We're delighted to be part of this new initiative to support residents within Frankley. The library provides a vital asset to the local community, and we are proud that we will be able to extend the current provision through a range of support and activities for local people."
Expanded Services for Local Community
Beyond traditional library services, NCP will deliver comprehensive community support from the Frankley Library location. The expanded offering includes:
- A Family Wellbeing Team
- Laptop Lending Library
- Employment Support Drop-ins on Wednesdays
- Housing Support, Benefit Support, and Household Support Fund assistance
- Energy and Debt Advice with Laptop Lending Library Drop-ins on Fridays
Educational and Community Leaders Welcome Partnership
Damian McGarvey, Headteacher at King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy, emphasised the importance of libraries as community cornerstones: "Libraries remain a cornerstone of our communities — places of learning, warmth, connection and opportunity. At King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy, we are incredibly proud to have played a part in ensuring our local library not only continues to operate but also grows to serve as a vibrant hub of activity."
Debbie Coulson, Project Manager for Early Intervention and Prevention at Birmingham City Council's Adult Social Care and Health Directorate, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: "We're proud and incredibly excited to be working in partnership with Northfield Community Partnership and King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy to secure the future of Frankley Library. By moving to a partner-led library, NCP is helping to preserve a valued community space while expanding its role as a hub for holistic support."
The partnership ensures that Frankley Library will continue serving as a trusted location for library services, digital inclusion, education, and tailored community support for the foreseeable future.
