MADAM - I attended the public consultation for the proposed changes to our local libraries, just some points:

Rubery residents were informed their nearest library was Alvechurch, which certainly posses some problems if you are reliant on public transport.

The proposal to make some of the day unmanned was not fully explained but speaking to library users from different counties they say that the very people - young adults - that they are trying to attract are now excluded from the libraries as they are not allowed in unless accompanied by an adult, at a stroke rendering the library as a safe place, place for homework - useless.

The reliance on volunteers to run the library seems to be a very effective way of the council washing its hands of the library problem, as volunteers and borrowers reduce over time they can simply shrug and say "well we tried"!

Libraries provide so much for a community and there are many libraries which have been turned round to become vibrant hubs with a forward thinking service and council supporting them.

I sincerely hope that the many points put to the consultation team are acted on in away that the impact is minimal on staff and the community.

Sarah Amato

Cofton Hackett