'THE LIBRARY' A COMMUNITY VENUE
The Library. A venue which will serve booklovers alongside many other interests. Within walking distance for many and served by direct transport links.
HARBORNE LIBRARY TRUST
WHAT ARE OUR PLANS
Harborne Library is currently underutilised and has many spaces which could be used by HLT for additional community activities. The Library is located on the High Street and has excellent connectivity with the local and surrounding areas. It has a number of schools nearby within walking distance. We are working in partnership with Harborne BID (Business Improvement District) who believe an expanded library offering will bring increased footfall to the High Street.
Harborne Library is used by local groups including schools, students with special needs, job searchers, warm welcome scheme attendees, Friends First, art group, Read Easy (a reading help group), Toddler Time and story time, craft sessions and various others. We would aspire to encourage these users to participate in additional activities.
Harborne Library with its prime location and excellent connectivity will serve not just Harborne but beyond including Edgbaston, Quinton, Northfield and Selly Oak.
BCC has committed to providing 28 hours over 4 days including Saturdays of staffed library service including books and IT support. These will be located on the ground and first floor. The current library offer consists of both a large adult and a children’s section. Within the children’s library is a soft play area. The first floor is served by both a stairs and lift.
We are about to carry out a public consultation of what additional activities and opportunities The Library might offer in the future. Here are a few of the things we have in mind.
The consultation will allow you to share your views on what you would like to see happen.
ART EXHIBITIONS
The basement which can be accessed both directly from the High Street and within the building can host art and craft displays by local schools and visiting artists.
KEEP FIT
Take your pick. Yoga, Tai Chi, Let's Dance, Pilates, Sit, Move and Be Fit exercise classes and many more. The Library with its great location and links will be the ideal location to run these classes.
COMMUNITY CINEMA
The upstairs Childrens Library can serve a dual purpose. Outside library hours we can see this a cinema space with the bookshelves moved aside and seating in place.
CLUB ACTIVITIES
Do you want somewhere central to hold your club night? The Library has the space for a multitude of different activities. Book club, bridge club, photography, choral, chess, digital skills, language classes, knitting, boardgaming and many more.
COMMUNITY HIRES
The Library can be a base for art displays by local schools and arts organisations and has the opportunity to be the ‘go-to place’ for holding local fundraising events and private hires for parties and receptions.
The various spaces not used for library usage can support a variety of community use. including classes such as health, wellbeing, fitness and languages.
LIVE MUSIC
The Junction Pub used to be a great venue for live bands to play. Upstairs in the Childrens Library or the basement will be an opportunity to provide space for music events of all types.
CRAFT ACTIVITIES
The library already runs some seasonal activities but with the support of the Trust we'll expand these further. Christmas and Easter craft markets and craft making sessions, art classes, drawing classes.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Want to meet a local Police representative? We've already approached them with a view to coming to the library. How about holding our Ward Forum meetings at The Library where you can raise local issues with our Councillors or maybe days when our Banks send somebody you can speak face to face. We'll also be supporting our other local community groups by signposting them.