By Alaric 
Reading lovers, if you ever find yourself in the City of a Thousand Trades, you must visit the Library of Birmingham.
This literary metropolis has ten floors (yes, ten!) of rare books, exhibitions, theatres and panoramic viewpoints.
It’s so much more than just a library, it’s a palace of knowledge with lots of free things to do including a Secret Garden.
I’ve been visiting since it opened over a decade ago, and it never ceases to amaze me. In my opinion, it’s one of the best libraries in the UK.
Even if you don’t read a single thing, this breathtaking building is still worth exploring as it has lots of surprises in store.
Here is how to visit the Birmingham Library with everything you can find inside.
History of the Library of Birmingham
A public central library has existed in Birmingham since the Victorian era and opened in 1865.
After a catastrophic fire, it was rebuilt by J. H. Chamberlain in a Lombardic Renaissance style. It then reopened to the public in 1882.
This gorgeous building was demolished in 1974 and replaced with a Brutalist monument as part of the city’s Paradise Circus redesign.
As a history lover, this breaks my heart as the original building was breathtaking. I can’t believe they agreed to replace it with such ugliness!
Due to the material deteriorating, they thankfully demolished that concrete monstrosity and built the new Library of Birmingham in 2013.
This shimmering glass building with interlocking rings was created by the Dutch studio Mecanoo.
The bold design references the city’s Jewellery Quarter with gold, silver and glass façades.
The People’s Palace
Today, Birmingham Library is nicknamed the “People’s Palace” as it’s an important landmark and a gift to the people of Brum.
Not only does it contain a wealth of precious knowledge but offers free public spaces, historic exhibitions, art galleries and theatres.
There are even Secret Gardens to discover and an entire room dedicated to Shakespeare.
It’s a dream for book lovers but there’s lots on offer for every interest and activities for all ages.
You can’t skip a visit on a trip to Birmingham, it’s a haven come rain or shine!
How to visit the Birmingham Library
The Library of Birmingham can be found in Centenary Square, the largest square in the heart of the city.
You really can’t miss it as it’s a humungous building with four shimmering glass layers of blue and gold.
I always say it looks like an enormous Christmas present but others say it looks like a wedding cake. Either way, it makes a striking appearance.
The library is near the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, ICC Symphony Hall and Gas Street Basin. So, it’s easy to visit as part of a day out.
As the area is largely pedestrianised, the easiest way to access the library would be on foot.
It’s a 10-15 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station and Bullring Shopping Centre.
You can also take the bus or tram to the library as there is a dedicated stop in Centenary Square.
Things to do in the Library of Birmingham
There are ten levels to this library and it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
As you enter the library, you will be on the ground floor with a visitor information desk, coffee shop and a mezzanine floor foyer.
You can then descend to the lower floors to find the Weston Book Browse, the children’s library, a music room and an outdoor Amphitheatre.
However, most visitors head up the escalators to explore the Rotunda.
This is where you can find even more bookshelves, two terrace gardens, the Shakespeare Memorial Room and a city skyline viewpoint.
You’re free to explore at your leisure and can spend as long as you like.
Just remember that this is a working library so respect other users and speak in hushed voices in the reading galleries.
Here are all the magical things to do in Birmingham Library;
1. Explore the “People’s Palace”
The Library of Birmingham is enormous and has 10 floors that can host 10,000 people per day!
It houses over a million books on the library shelves and in its archives. So, you can find public reading galleries on almost every floor.
Anyone can use the study areas to read, use their laptops or the computers on offer.
It’s worth seeing the Boulton and Watt Archive which houses the most important collection of printed works on the Industrial Revolution.
But, it’s not all about books. There are music rooms, an amphitheatre, art galleries and a Baskerville exhibit.
Make sure to stop by the extensive Map Room with over 50,000 antique maps from centuries ago.
There’s also a Discovery Gallery, Photography Room and Digital Gallery.
However, my favourite area of Birmingham Library can be found on the middle floors in the Library Rotunda.
2. Library Rotunda
As you make your way up the library via the escalators, you’ll eventually enter the Library’s Rotunda.
This circular book gallery never fails to take my breath away with the rows upon rows of dark bookshelves and a labyrinth of staircases.
You can explore via a network of escalators and moving walkways that give the room a futuristic feel.
However, I particularly loved the sparkling fairy lights on the railings that helped to make it cosy.
From the viewing platform, you can truly appreciate the enormity of this literary institution and see it in all its glory!
A big thanks to my friend Tilly for taking all these incredible photos. Lots of hilarious trips on the escalators were made but it paid off in the end.
3. Rooftop Garden
On the third floor, you’ll find the Rooftop Garden which offers amazing panoramic views of Centenary Square and beyond.
You could easily spot the ICC Symphony Hall, Gas Street Basin and Victoria Square.
Beyond the panoramic views, there are green spaces where you can relax on benches amongst foliage, trees and flowers.
I was very excited to find cherry blossom trees that were flowering on our visit. It added a lovely pop of pink colour to the photos.
On the terrace, you can also get a closer look at the quirky architecture of the building with the interlocking rings referencing the Jewellery Quarter.
4. The Secret Garden
Any library that offers panoramic views is an instant favourite in my books but the Library of Birmingham has two!
Most visitors leave after browsing the first Rooftop Garden but there’s another outdoor terrace in this library that’s even better.
It’s called The Secret Garden and is located on the seventh floor which you can access via the elevators or stairs.
It’s officially the worst-kept secret in Birmingham as they advertise it everywhere.
However, I do find that this floor is a lot quieter than the lower garden so it offers a moment of solace.
From here, you can see even more of the city towards the Birmingham canal network and Utilita Arena.
5. Skyline Viewpoint
After exploring The Secret Garden, you must visit the ninth floor for the Skyline Viewpoint.
This curved gallery has huge glass windows which provide a bird’s eye view of Birmingham.
It’s mostly a view of modern high-rise buildings but you can see the historic Town Hall, museum and the Clock Tower of Victoria Square below.
There are several comfy chairs to relax on which is needed after all that exploring.
If you are curious about the landmarks you see, make sure to use the touch-screen display that can provide more information.
It’s a lovely spot to pass the time and the library offers free WiFi in all its public spaces.
6. Shakespeare Memorial Room
Even if you’re tired of viewpoints, it’s still worth making the trip to the ninth floor to visit the Shakespeare Memorial Room.
It used to be part of the original library and opened to the public in 1882.
This gorgeous Victorian gallery was designed by the local architect John H. Chamberlain and George Dawson, a founder of the Our Shakespeare Club.
The striking woodwork includes flowers, foliage and birds to emphasise the natural vitality of Shakespeare’s work.
I was also amazed to discover that the Shakespeare Memorial Library is the second-largest collection of his works in the world.
Unfortunately, the book collection with a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio is no longer on display due to the room climate causing damage.
But you can still see lots of memorabilia, artwork and informative exhibits on the history of The Bard’s footprint in Birmingham.
Although I do appreciate modern architecture, historical rooms are my weakness. I was in awe of all the intricate details and symbolism.
Please note: sometimes the Shakespeare Memorial Room will be closed for special events.
Is the Library of Birmingham worth visiting?
Yes, most definitely. I think it’s well worth visiting the Library of Birmingham.
If you love books then you will be in your element as you can explore all the beautiful bookshelves and reading galleries.
Even if you’re not swooned by literature, there are secret gardens, city viewpoints and permanent exhibitions to enjoy.
Don’t skip the Birmingham Library, it’s a literary oasis in the heart of the city!
Is it free to go inside the Birmingham Library?
Yes, as it’s a public library it’s completely free to go inside the Library of Birmingham.
I’m always amazed by this as there are so many fabulous things to see and do inside.
It makes a great budget way to spend a couple of hours that’s suitable for all ages.
Of course, donations are always appreciated to help the library and cash/card donation boxes can be found at the main entrance.
Birmingham Library opening times
You can visit the library every day of the week except Sundays:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11 am – 7 pm
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Are you looking for more things to do in Birmingham?
I’ve been visiting Birmingham regularly since I was a kid to see long-distance friends so I know this city pretty well.
I think it’s an amazing place to spend a day as there is a great culture and a vibrant music and art scene.
Ozzy Osbourne came from here and you can see his plaque on the Birmingham Walk of Stars.
If you’re looking for shops, I would head to the Birmingham Bullring which is the major shopping centre.
Nearby, you can visit the UK’s largest Primark which has a Disney Café serving Mickey Waffles!
If you want vintage shops, visit Digbeth with the Old Custard Factory or We Are Cow Vintage.
You can also visit the Oasis Indoor Markets, a labyrinth of alternative stalls, tattoo parlours and more.
There are wonderful Birmingham shopping arcades like the Great Western Arcade and the Piccadilly Arcade.
In terms of attractions, you can visit the National Trust Birmingham Back to Backs to travel back in time.
Or, visit the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The building is breathtaking and has gorgeous rooms filled with priceless paintings.
The Gas Street Basin area has lots of pubs like The Botanist. You can also stroll the wealth of towpaths that give Peaky Blinders vibes.
Read more of my Midlands travel guides
My complete Warwick Castle review
Shakespeare Attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon
Why you should visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Robin Hood locations in Nottingham
Sherwood Forest – home of Robin Hood
Amazing facts about Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub
How to find Nanny Rock in Kinver Edge
A Harry Potter guide for Hardwick Hall
How to find Thor’s Cave
A Complete Guide for Lud’s Church
Dovedale Stepping Stones walk
Save the Library of Birmingham for later!
