The Library of Birmingham: a visitor's guide
Gold rings, a book rotunda, a Victorian reading room on the roof and some of the best free views in the city.
With its gold and silver façade wrapped in a lattice of interlocking metal rings, the Library of Birmingham is one of the most striking buildings in Britain. It opened on Centenary Square in September 2013 and quickly became a symbol of the modern city. Here is how to make the most of a visit.
A building that reflects the city
The library was designed by the Dutch architects Mecanoo. The rings on its façade are said to recall the metalworking traditions of the Jewellery Quarter and the gasometers, canals and tunnels of the city's industrial past. At night, the building glows across Centenary Square.
It was opened by Malala Yousafzai, the education campaigner who had been treated in Birmingham after being shot in Pakistan, and who went on to make the city her home.
What is inside
The library holds more than a million books, along with one of the most important archive collections in Europe. Its collections include rare books, photographs and the archives of Matthew Boulton, James Watt and the Soho Foundry. The library is particularly known for its photography collections.
A striking central rotunda runs through the heart of the building, with escalators rising between circular walls of books.
The Shakespeare Memorial Room
At the top of the building is the Shakespeare Memorial Room, a wood-panelled Victorian reading room built in 1882 to house the city's Shakespeare collection. It was carefully dismantled and moved from the old Central Library, then rebuilt here. It is one of the most beautiful rooms in the city.
The terraces
Two outdoor terraces are among the library's best features. The Discovery Terrace on the third floor is a garden with plants, herbs and seating, and the Secret Garden on the seventh floor offers some of the best free views in Birmingham, across Centenary Square to the Jewellery Quarter and beyond.
A shared building
The library shares its building with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, one of Britain's oldest producing theatres. Between them, they make Centenary Square a hub of culture, alongside Symphony Hall and the International Convention Centre.
Challenges
The library has faced difficult times since it opened. Budget cuts led to shorter opening hours, and the city council's financial problems have put pressure on library services across Birmingham. Opening times can change, so it is worth checking before visiting.
Centenary Square
The square outside was redesigned and reopened in 2019, with a large water feature and lighting inspired by the city's history. The Hall of Memory, the city's war memorial, stands at one end. In winter the square often hosts an ice rink.
Tips for visiting
Entry to the library is free. Start on the ground floor, ride the escalators up through the rotunda, visit the terraces and finish at the Shakespeare Memorial Room. Allow an hour or two, and bring a camera for the views from the top.
