Library of Birmingham

Library of Birmingham

The new Library of Birmingham is a stunning building both inside and out. Here you can:

  • Research the vast Birmingham Archives of books and images
  • Visit one of our many exhibitions
  • View films at the BFI Mediatheque
  • ​Obtain free legal advice
  • ​Browse the internet on our free wifi
  • ​or simply read a great book!

You can also browse millions of books, manuscripts, photographs and music in person or via our online catalogue. You can also visit our exhibitions and, as a centre for knowledge and discovery, we offer a vast collection of resources, covering every topic under the sun. Laid end-to-end, the book collection alone would stretch from Birmingham to Edinburgh!

​Find out about our Young Libraries programme HERE.

Green Library

The Library of Birmingham has an important role to play in cutting carbon emissions in the city and the building has been designed to minimise the impact on the environment.
 
Environmentally friendly features include the use of low carbon technology for heating and cooling, low energy lighting and water conservation systems.
 
The Library recycles all used materials including paper and plastic – please use the special bins provided.
 
The two elevated garden terraces – the Discovery Terraceon level 3 and The Secret Garden on level 7 – provide green spaces in the heart of the city. They are planted with a variety of species to provide colour and interest throughout the year. This includes fruit, vegetables and herbs on the Discovery Terrace to provide a focal point for learning about where food comes from and encouraging ‘grow your own.’
 
The brown roof is covered in rubble from the construction of the Library and provides new habitat for wildlife.
 
The Library of Birmingham was awarded BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status in 2013. BREEAM is the national standard against which the environmental sustainability of new buildings is measured.

Tours

Tours are available for groups and individuals, and must be pre-booked. More information about tours and group visits. 

Exhibitions

Look out for our programme of events, exhibitions and activities. Details of what’s on at the Library of Birmingham and how to book are available by clicking on What's Happening above and in the Library. 

The Gallery on level 3 is the venue for an exciting programme of exhibitions showcasing the Library's archive, heritage and photography collections, plus visiting exhibitions.

Wolfson Centre for Archival Research

The Archives, Heritage and Photography service is on level 4 and is open all the time the library is open. Here you can see birth, marriage and death registers, parish records, Birmingham newspapers, maps, trade directories and many other resources for Birmingham history.     If you wish to view original archive material, you need to visit the Wolfson Centre for Archival Research. The opening hours are  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am - 5pm, Thursday 10am - 8pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm. 

Getting Around

The Library of Birmingham is designed to be highly accessible to all. Getting around the building is easy, with a step-free entrance and lifts to all floors, in addition to ramps, escalators, travelators and stairs.

The new Library of Birmingham is located at Centenary Square, the city’s most important public open space in the heart of Birmingham city centre’s Westside. The new Library is next to and physically connected with Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP). Other important cultural venues including The ICC, Symphony Hall, NIA, Town Hall and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery are located very close by. The site has excellent public transport links and is on a major pedestrian route (it is estimated that up to 13 million people walk past the site annually)

Venue Category: 
Libraries / Archives
Activities provided: 
Archive and Library
Exhibitions
Guided Tour
Music Tuition
Workshops
Activities for people with SEN/Disabilities: 
No
Curriculum: 
Art
Citizenship
Computing (ICT)
Crime and Justice
Design
Drama
Economics / Business
English
Geography / Geology
History
Languages
Mathematics
Media (Film, Television and Radio)
Music
Physical Education
Politics
PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
Religious Education
Science
Technology / Engineering
Suitability: 
Key Stage 1 (4-7)
Key Stage 2 (8-11)
Key Stage 3 (12-14)
Key Stage 4 (15-16)
Key Stage 5 (17+)
Residential?: 
No
Locality: 
Birmingham
Overall Rating: 
0
Educational Experience: 
0
Safety: 
0
Fun Factor: 
0
Value for Money: 
0
Venue Address: 
Centenary Square
Broad Street
Birmingham
West Midlands
B1 2ND
United Kingdom
Venue Contact Number: 
0121 242 4242
Contact Email: 
[email protected]
Venue Website: 
http://www.libraryofbirmingham.com/visiting

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