Library of Birmingham

We recently visited Birmingham Library and had an enjoyable time exploring different sections of the library. The architecture is beautiful and well looked after and there is something for each age group to explore and enjoy. We have been before but it was a brief visit. This time we explored outdoor rooftop viewing area which was really nice; you can see a bird’s eye view of Birmingham from there and if the weather is nice it is very relaxing to sit outdoors and enjoy the views. We also enjoyed visiting an exhibition about Shakespeare and visiting the kids’ section.

Worth a visit just to ride the escalators and enjoy the sunshine out on the terrace (level 4) or the secret garden (level 7). Elevators are available but were not functioning today, but the 90 step climb to level 7 for the secret garden was worth it. Great views over the city and delightful spaces to sit. And of course they have an enormous collection of books, media, maps and more. Such a cool space with the escalators going back and forth across a large central open space.

One of the landmarks in Birmingham’s city centre. The Library of Birmingham is in a convenient spot not far from the train stations, making it an easy stop while wandering around town. The library’s exterior is strikingly modern and eye catching; its interior follows the same contemporary style, spacious and comfortable, creating a pleasant environment for reading. Its collection is extensive and diverse, enough to spark anyone’s interest in picking up a book. The 9th floor features the Shakespeare Memorial Room, a Victorian style space housing more than 100,000 Shakespeare related items, a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in his works. Highlight: The outdoor Secret Garden Hidden on the 7th floor, this open air garden and resting area requires no booking or admission. Visitors can enjoy greenery, take in views of Birmingham from above, and step away from the noise of the streets for a quiet moment. Whether you’re there to read, study, admire the view, or simply enjoy a bit of peace, it’s well worth a visit.

I recently visited the Library of Birmingham and had a brilliant experience from start to finish. The building itself is striking and modern, and inside it feels open, bright and welcoming. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the spaces are spotless and well organised, whether you’re looking to read, study, or simply explore. One of the absolute highlights is the outdoor terrace and viewing platform at the top. The view across Birmingham is incredible — you can see right over the city skyline, including Centenary Square, the canals, and some of the landmark buildings that make the city so unique. It’s a peaceful spot that really shows off how impressive Birmingham looks from above. Overall, the Library of Birmingham is a fantastic place to visit. Whether you’re a regular reader, a student, or just someone exploring the city, it’s well worth the trip — especially for the view from the top.

Library of Birmingham – Modern, Inspiring, and Full of Character The Library of Birmingham is one of the city’s most stunning landmarks, combining modern architecture with a peaceful atmosphere for reading and learning. The terrace gardens and rooftop views are must-sees — perfect for relaxing or taking photos of the skyline. Inside, there’s a great mix of study spaces, archives, and exhibitions, with the Shakespeare Memorial Room being a real highlight. It can get busy and the layout takes a little getting used to, but the staff are friendly and the space feels welcoming to everyone. A true gem in the heart of Birmingham — ideal for book lovers, students, and anyone looking for quiet inspiration.

This library is a wonderful addition to central Birmingham. It has many rooms all of varying sizes with many spaces for study, reading or simply relaxing. It had a vibrant feel and it was good to see people using its facilties. There were also some wonderful views of the city from a number of vantage points located on the higher floors of the building, and I particularly liked the secret garden on the 7th floor. The only two gripes for me were the initial escalators on ground floor (very dangerous) and the lack of a restaurant or cafe.

Beautiful architecture and a great place to explore! The library is spacious, peaceful, and offers amazing city views from the upper terraces. Perfect for studying, reading, or just spending a quiet afternoon. Staff are helpful and the facilities are well-maintained. Highly recommended!

The relatively new library is architecturally beautiful but I’m knocking off a point because the Library closed its cafe. When you send long spells in a library it’s helpful to be able to get a drink. In the British Library there are about four or five cafes on site which enables you to work, take a comfort break and return to researching or studying. Not sure why the second city’s main public library doesn’t have this important feature. I also think the business section could do with more resources and event to support businesses and business start up. That said, staff are helpful and professional. It’s easy to take out or renew memberships. I love the light and airy space on each floor and the statement elevators. The roof top garden is beautiful and a great amenity space on a warm day for us to catch up on phone calls. Again I may have remained there if I could have gotten a drink. Instead we leaf after two hours just to get refreshments.

The Gallery space at the Library of Birmingham is one of the city centres hidden gems. You can easily miss it - tucked away in a corner on level 3 of the Library - but it is well worth a look. In my opinion its one of the best features of the new library building. The space is home to the GRAIN photography hub, a network for photography and photographers in the region, working with national and international photography collections. GRAIN curate photography exhibitions in the gallery space, which is really contemporary and versatile. GRAIN's current exhibition explores the work of photographer Daniel Meadows and is well worth a visit. The exhibition takes you on a fascinating journey through Meadows' early work of from 1971-87. Its full of hair, flares and a double dekker bus converted into a mobile studio. Look out for the screen showing some of the people 'then and now'.