Why keeping Sutton’s archives in Sutton is important
Sutton public library contains thousands of local archives, both on its open shelves and within stacks that are hidden from public view but can be accessed via the librarians. These archives, written documents, are amazing. They provide more than a glimpse of the past; they are a portal through which we can learn to see value in the ways people lived in the past which, in turn, gives us direction into the future.
The array of material is almost bewildering; ranging from local newspaper archives through to 19th Century building planning applications made as the Municipal Borough was growing and detailed air raid wardens’ records of WW2 bombing raids across the town. However, the condition of important records is deteriorating because of the absence of specialist storage and attention from professional archivists.
There is real concern that should the town lose its library, the archives will be spirited away from Sutton and buried in a Birmingham Central Library storage unit in another part of the city.
If that were to happen it would bring to an end the work of the Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group. That would be a tragedy given the huge contribution that this group has made to our understanding of Sutton’s origins.
It is central to the integrity of Sutton Coldfield as a political entity that a proper repository of local records is established and maintained; otherwise we will end up like any other suburb of Birmingham, with public consciousness of the Town’s history becoming so diluted that Sutton dissipates into nothing more than another dormitory suburb.
Read Roger Lea's views here: Collections [454].
How can you help?
- You could write to our Town Councillors and our MP, Andrew Mitchell
- Their email addresses are here: www.suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - You could also write to local newspapers and City council
- Sutton Observer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (editor)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (reporter)- Birmingham Mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (editor-in-chief)- Deputy Leader Birmingham City Council
- The Deputy Leader has the responsibility for libraries.
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If you do write could you let us know what response you receive at this emil address:
Below is a draft letter/email you may like to use:
Dear {enter name}
I have recently heard that the City Council’s determination to close our town’s Central Library is placing at risk the magnificent collection of materials that comprise this historic Royal Town’s unique and extensive archives.
We cannot allow these to be lost to Sutton Coldfield. They are too precious.
I am also concerned that many items are in a very fragile condition and desperately need skilled conservation and repair to avoid them being lost for ever.
I urge you to look at all opportunities, alongside the campaign to retain and develop the library, to provide a permanent solution that not only stores, preserves and maintains the archives properly but also makes them available and accessible to current and future generations.
Surely through accessing grants from such sources as Sutton’s Charitable Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund we can create a Centre that celebrates and preserves the archives for all?
I look forward to receiving your response.
Yours sincerely,