Redditch Library
{{Short description|Library in the United Kingdom}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Redditch Library
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| image = Redditch Library.jpg
| caption = Redditch Library exterior with John Bonham memorial in foreground
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| cost = £500,000 (£3.3 million adjusted for inflation in 2023)
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| location = Redditch, United Kingdom
| address = 15 Market Place, Redditch, B98 8AR
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| coordinates = {{coord|52.30636|-1.94017|type:landmark_globe:earth_region:GB|display=ti}}
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| inauguration_date = January 24, 1976
| renovation_date = 2009 (£1,000,000)
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| floor_count = 7
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| architect = John Madin
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}}
Redditch Library is a library in the centre of Redditch, United Kingdom. Constructed for £550,000 (£3.3 million adjusted for inflation) and opened on 24 January 1976, it is the town's main public library, having been purpose-built to replace the former building on Church Green. It is the second-largest library in Worcestershire and attracts up to 12,500 visitors a month.{{cite web |url=https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/library-numbers-up-to-12500-visitors-as-redditch-labour-group-battle-to-save-it/ |title=Library numbers up to 12500 visitors as Redditch Labour group battles to save it |date=2022 |website=Redditch Standard |access-date=27 February 2023}} It was renovated in 2009 for just over £1,000,000.{{cite web |url=https://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/4443510.exciting-times-ahead-for-redditch-library/ |title=exciting times ahead for Redditch Library |date=2009 |website=Redditch & Alcester Advertiser |access-date=27 February 2023}}
Proposed Demolition
The building was marked for demolition in a project led by Redditch Borough Council to create retail space and relocate the service to Redditch Town Hall.{{cite web |url=https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/redditch-librarys-future-comes-under-scrutiny-at-town-hall-meeting/ |title=Redditch library's future comes under scrutiny at Town Hall meeting |date=2022 |website=Redditch Standard |access-date=27 February 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/redditch-residents-set-up-campaign-to-fight-demolition-of-the-library/ |title=Redditch residents set up campaign to fight demolition of library |date=2023 |website=Redditch Standard |access-date=27 February 2023}} Despite opposition from library users after a public consultation which was called "fundamentally flawed" by national charity The Library Campaign,{{cite news |last1=Editorial Correspondent |title=Redditch Library public consultation branded 'flawed' by campaign group |url=https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/redditch-library-public-consultation-branded-flawed-by-campaign-group/ |access-date=13 Jan 2025 |work=Redditch Standard |date=11 March 2023}} the demolition was approved by Cabinet at Worcestershire County Council who stressed that it had been "a consultation exercise, not a referendum".{{cite web |url=https://worcestershire.moderngov.co.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=25336 |title=Agenda Item Relocation of Redditch Library|date=20 July 2023 |website=Worcestershire County Council |access-date=14 January 2025}} The demolition project was cancelled after a landslide victory by Redditch Labour in the 2024 Redditch Borough Council election, after which the newly elected Labour council saved the building in fulfilment of promises made during their election campaign.{{cite news |last1=Asokan |first1=Shyamantha |last2=Pearson |first2=James |title=Library Demolition Halted by New Council Leader |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce99zdklrlno |access-date=13 Jan 2025 |work=BBC News |date=21 May 2024}} There are no plans, now, to demolish the building or move the service.