Five of Birmingham’s children’s libraries are set for a New Year makeover, thanks to £250k of funding from the Wolfson Foundation. As well as decorating and new furniture, the libraries will receive new technology and funding for local history projects and storytelling events. New equipment will include iPads and android devices, plasma screens, DSLR cameras, laptops, Wii and the latest Raspberry Pi.
Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for Skills, Learning and Culture, Cllr Penny Holbrook, welcomed the funding: “Birmingham Libraries have led the way with innovative projects such as Stories from the Web, Book Start, the Young Poet Laureate scheme and Young Readers UK, Birmingham’s festival of children’s literature.
“This new funding from the Wolfson Foundation allows us to continue to be innovative in our approach to libraries and engaging young minds. Five children’s libraries across the city will be transformed into dynamic, exciting and welcoming spaces, providing children with the opportunity to try new technology and enhance their storytelling involvement in beautiful spaces, designed to inspire.”
The five children’s libraries earmarked for the funding are –
- Balsall Heath
- Druids Heath
- Kings Norton
- Kingstanding
- Small Heath
Work will start in January and some of the libraries will begin their temporary closures over the Christmas period so that staff can prepare the libraries for decoration and new furnishings. Exact closure dates will be released nearer the time and will be available at the libraries themselves or by checking online at libraryofbirmingham.com/libraries
