Partnership saves Frankley Community Library!

A new partnership between Northfield Community Partnership (NCP), King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy, and Birmingham City Council has successfully secured funding to ensure Frankley Library remains open.

Frankley Library was initially identified as a potential partner-led library under the Birmingham Libraries Cabinet report agreed on 12th February 2025. However, it was also acknowledged that if a suitable partner did not come forward, the library would have faced closure.

Fortunately, NCP stepped forward, and this collaborative initiative will safeguard this vital community resource for the foreseeable future.

Alongside the library offer, Northfield Community Partnership (NCP) will be delivering a range of community support services. These include a Family Wellbeing Team, a Laptop Lending Library, and Employment Support Drop-ins on Wednesdays, as well as Housing Support, Benefit Support, Household Support Fund assistance, Energy and Debt Advice, and Laptop Lending Library Drop-ins on Fridays.

Rebecca Debenham, CEO of Northfield Community Partnership, said “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.”

Damian McGarvey, Headteacher at King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy, said “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, offering a wide range of services and support for our wonderful community. As the library evolves into a true focal point and oasis for Frankley, we look forward to continuing our involvement. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and this partnership with the Library Service and the fantastic Northfield Community Partnership is a shining example of how working together can make a lasting difference.”

Debbie Coulson, Project Manager, Early Intervention and Prevention, Adult Social Care and Health Directorate at Birmingham City Council said “we’re proud and incredibly excited to be working in partnership with Northfield Community Partnership (NCP) 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. This collaboration ensures that residents continue to access vital services, from library provision and digital inclusion to education and tailored community support, all delivered from a trusted and familiar location at the heart of Frankley.”

Northfield Community Partnership is a charity situated in Northfield, Birmingham, working in partnership to enable people and communities to improve their life chances. King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy is a school situated in Frankley, Birmingham, which is attached to Frankley Library. Birmingham City Council is the local authority for Birmingham, England.

For any groups interested in using the space to deliver community activity please email info@northfieldcommunity.org or call 0121 411 2157