The Library of Birmingham 

Centenary Square

Birmingham

B1 2EA

View site map HERE.

Photography by Daniel Sturley.

 

Architect: Mecanoo (Netherlands based practice)

Construction: Led by Carillon

 

The building in brief

The building has been recognised for both its innovative design and for its positive social impact and has won numerous awards.

It is estimated to have cost £188.8 million to build. 

Pre-construction

Photography by Elliott Brown

During construction

Photography by Elliott Brown.

Construction completed (2013)

Photography by Elliott Brown.

 

Inside the Library of Birmingham

There is several basement levels (children's library), plus you can get the escalators up towards Level 3, and Travelator up to Level 4. Lifts or stairs takes you up to Level 7, and Level 9. Level's 5, 6 and 8 are staff only. The glass lift broke down after a year and has not been repaired.

 

Level 0

Escalators from Level 0 to Level 1 at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Level 2

Level 2 the Knowledge Floor at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Level 2 (what was formerly called the Knowledge Floor) as it is was in August 2021.

Level 2 the Knowledge Floor at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Gallery (Level 3)

Regularly changing exhibitions in The Gallery on the third floor, that are usually on for several months.

The Gallery at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Travelator (level 3 to 4)

Travelator from Level 3 to Level 4 at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Travelator from level 3 to 4 as it is now as of mid August 2021.

Travelator from Level 3 to Level 4 at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Level 7

Level 7 view down to Level 4 near the Glass Lift at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of the Library

Prior to the new build, the Birmingham's Library called Central Library was situated in Chamberlain Square.  

This site is now occupied by One Chamberlain Square, one of the modern flagship builds of the Paradise scheme.

The Central Library just before the start demolition in 2016 - Photography by Daniel Sturley.

 

Baskerville Basin (site of The Library of Birmingham)

Prior to work commencing on the library in 2010, archaelogists were on site revealing the history of Baskerville Basin.

Photography by Elliott Brown.

Part of the canal network used to stretch into what is now Centenary Square but this was filled in during the 1930s to make way for a proposed Civic Centre. The excavation revealed intact brick walls of Baskerville Basin and a private canal built circa 1810 called Gibson's Arm. 

The map below printed in 1880 shows Baskerville Wharf between Cambridge Street and Broad Street. 

 

The Secret Garden and Discovery Terrace at The Library of Birmingham 

Two roof top garden areas. Head up the escalators to level 3 for the Discovery Terrace. Or continue up the travelator to level 4, then walk around and catch the lift up to level 7 (or walk up the stairs) to get to the Secret Garden. Note that the glass lift broke down after a year of operation and has never been fixed, but there is about 3 lifts around the corner.

 

The Discovery Terrace

The Discovery Terrace is on Level 3 of the Library of Birmingham. There used to be revolving doors to get out here, but is now automatic doors. There is also a disabled button you can press to open the door.

Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Discovery Terrace as it is now during mid August 2021.

Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Secret Garden

Go to level 7, via the lifts or stairs, to get to the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham. Press the disabled button to open the door. For some amazing views, of the ever changing skyline.

Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Secret Garden as it is now as of mid August 2021.

Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Shakespeare Memorial Room at The Library of Birmingham 

At the top of the Library inside the Golden Cylinder is the Shakespeare Memorial Room. The original room was designed by John Henry Chamberlain in 1882 and it was founded by George Dawson and friends who believed that Birmingham should be home to the world's greatest collection of books by Shakespeare. As of September 2021, it is still closed to the public, as is access to Level 9.

Photography by Elliott Brown.

Photography by Elliott Brown

Don't miss our great associated feature of the amazing views that can be seen from the 3rd floor terrace (the Discovery Terrace), the 'Secret Garden (on the 7th floor) and the enclosed 'Skyview' room on the 9th floor with the Skakespeare Memorial Room (Skyline Viewpoint):

Views From The Library of Birmingham

Contact

Library of Birmingham

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Library of Birmingham on Instagram