Yesterday's outing gave me chance to say goodbye to three of the five libraries that have closed in Wolverhampton, so I thought I'd take time to offer some personal reflections on the other two...
Bradmore Library - a small community library based in the outbuildings at Bantock House. Like Mary Pointon, Daisy Bank and the Scotlands, Bradmore Library was only open for 15 hours a week and wasn't particularly heavily used (although usage was higher than at the three other locations). The library had a nice setting within Bantock Park - visitors to WME Wolverhampton will know this park is a personal favourite - and had a cosy, friendly interior, although it perhaps suffered from a lack of space. Another consideration would be the library's proximity to larger branches at Finchfield and Warstones, a short bus ride or a decent walk away. An unstaffed deposit collection could be a future option, although there have been suggestions that the popular neighbouring park cafe could be expanded and developed into an internet cafe. It remains to be seen whether this will actually happen, but it could be an excellent community facility if it does. Farewell Bradmore!
Oxley Library - of all the libraries that have closed, Oxley is the one I feel most sad about. I have a lot of affection for the branch having visited it with my grandparents as a kid, and I've also enjoyed taking photos of the library during several walks around Rakegate over the years. As such, the library was a link back to my childhood, and it seems strange to think it won't be there anymore.
Unlike the other libraries that have closed, Oxley was a larger branch that was open five days a week including two late nights (although it did close for lunch). Situated on Probert Road near the Day Centre and the alley into the St Anne's estate, I always felt the library slightly resembled a shed - a leap of the imagination I guess, but that was part of the reason I liked the place. This location may have been part of Oxley's downfall, being somewhat hidden away from the busy Stafford Road and the local shops, and the branch did seem quieter than the other larger branches despite a core of regular loyal borrowers. Considering also Oxley's close proximity to the library at Pendeford, the branch was deemed uneconomic given the wider Council need to save money, and the axe ultimately fell. Possibilities could exist for redeveloping the site to provide a new health centre facility for the local area, which would at least retain a community use for the site, although it remains to be seen whether this will transpire due to the current economic environment. An unstaffed deposit collection is again proposed, either as part of the new development or elsewhere within the local community. Farewell Oxley, I will miss you!
To echo the comments in my previous post, it is always a sad day when local facilities close their doors for good, but I can understand the reasoning and justification for the closures - the purpose of my posts is to reflect and remember rather than criticise the decisions that have been made. In the case of both Bradmore and Oxley, the library closures could be offset by the development of new facilities such as an enhanced cafe at Bantock Park and a new health facility at Oxley. The communities concerned could benefit greatly should these go ahead, so amidst the doom and gloom of my ramblings there could be some very positive outcomes, and I will be interested to see what happens over the coming months...
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