The Lichfield Library move is an example of the way councils should be embracing change, an MP has said.
Formal plans have been submitted to transfer the facility to St Mary’s in the Market Square.
The switch would then see the existing library site at The Friary redeveloped as residential accommodation.
The move will go ahead despite local opposition which saw thousands sign a petition against the switch.
But Rob Wilson, Parliamentary under-secretary of state for culture, media and sport, said innovative solutions needed to be found to ensure libraries remained relevant as communities change.
His comments came after a question from Lichfield’s Conservaive MP Michael Fabricant, who said strengthening St Mary’s while privatising and restoring The Friary was a “win-win situation”.
Mr Wilson replied: “I welcome the approach that has been taken by Lichfield Library and congratulate Staffordshire County Council on its work.
“Local authorities need to think imaginatively about how libraries can deliver their priorities, and the ambition document that we recently published through the Libraries Taskforce challenges them to do so.
“Standing still is really not an option. I encourage local authorities to embrace change and to be bold in finding solutions, as Staffordshire has done.”
