New library opened on the 3rd September, and quite a spectacular place it is. There is some debate about the value of a £188 million library investment in the age of the internet, but the city has gained a fabulous space and redefined public area. It is the largest lending library in Europe.

The Shakespeare Reading Room (see below) is at the peak of the building in the round gold part. Library web site here.

Library of Birmingham

Library of Birmingham – interior

Library of Birmingham – interior

Library of Birmingham – interior

Library of Birmingham – roof garden

Library of Birmingham – Shakespeare Reading Room

and the old Central Library that the above replaces, now scheduled for demolition.

Central Library