Pleas to save Coventry libraries from relocation
Hundreds of people are calling on the council not to move libraries known to be a 'lifeline' in the community
Communities raise their concerns on the relocation of four local libraries in Coventry.
Libraries in Holbrooks, Bell Green, Canley and Coundon are at risk of being moved.
Coventry City Council is considering the move as part of a cost-saving plan signed off in their budget last year.
The libraries are a lifeline for many members of the community as they provide services beyond book-borrowing.
Mark Graham is from Holbrook's Community Care Association, he's been telling us of crucial services the libraries provides community members.
Mark said: "We are a lifeline to many people, often people come in here in crisis.
"People come to us when they've got no electric at home, they've got no food, they've got no money and they just don't know what to do.
We're also there for people with regards to isolation. We do groups and activities on a Wednesday such as: armchair yoga, knitting clubs and digital skills.
"We do all kinds of stuff where people that would generally be sat at home on their own board and lonely actually come out and meet new people and make new friends and actually enjoy activities. "
Mark continued to share concerns people have over relocating and how that will impact people seeking help, alongside young people accessing services.
Mark said: "Having the library here enables us to provide a lot more services an it also gets more people through the door.
"People come in to access the library and then they realise there's so many of the services on offer.
"People in Holbrooks don't like the stigma surrounding accessing support. so having the libraries, the guys to come into the centre and scope out the services that we offer without people seeing them going into an Information Centre and getting support - this is massive for us."
Mark continued: "With the proposed new opening times with the relocation, if it happens, they'll be closing at 3.
"This means young people will not have a library service in the Holbrooks area. Their closest one is Jubilee Crescent, which is in Radford, which is 2 buses. So it's a bus into town and a bus out of town. Or a half an hour walk, which people won't want to do.2
People have signed petitions against the relocation of local libraries, one has gathered over 400 signatures.
The pleas are to be heard by official this week in a public meeting.
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