Barry the gnome hopes to spark selfie craze

But to staff at Great Barr library, they are hoping he will bring the centre much needed attention.

A five foot gnome - now affectionately called 'Barry' - has popped up outside the library, much to the curiosity of passers-by.

It was crafted by Senior Library Supervisor Nicola Morris, who was commissioned to make the figure by her colleagues.

Staff are hoping the gnome will help attract in more members of the public, at a time when libraries across the region are faced with government cuts.

Libraries in Sandwell have been set to be run by more volunteers as part of cost-cutting plans aimed at saving sites from closing.

Tamar Rodney, Senior Supervisor for West Bromwich North Libraries, said: "We asked Nicola to make it as she has got a degree in graphics and art.

"It's just something fun, it fits in with the seasons and it is to get people interested,

"Hopefully (the gnome) will grab people's attention and hopefully people will start using the library.

"We are facing all the cuts of government, we have to stay open for the public."

The gnome is made from paper mache and features a long white beard, with a tall red pointed hat and a jumper made from patterns of the Union Jack flag.

Tamar added: "We will dress him up for different seasons. We will dress him up with the Black Country flag. He can be a mascot for our library. We hope he stays there and noting happens.

"He has been here about a week, we have definitely had passing glances and had people come in and ask about him.

"The idea is people come in and take photos of the gnome and get it on social media."

The hashtag #selfiewithgnomie has been used on Twitter for shots of the gnome.

The gnome is the first of the festive events happening across Sandwell libraries.

A winter fair is taking place this Saturday at Great Barr library and Hamstead library.

For more information, visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries or contact 0121 3571340.