Library of Birmingham
Europe's largest public library, a modern architectural marvel with stunning city views from its rooftop garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Library of Birmingham
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest public library, a modern architectural marvel with stunning city views from its rooftop garden.
"The rooftop garden offers incredible views of the city, a must-see when visiting Birmingham."
🎯 Free Entry & Views
Enjoy stunning cityscapes and explore the library's vast collections for free!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Secret Garden
7th Floor Rooftop
A tranquil oasis offering panoramic city views and a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
Architectural Marvel
Exterior and Interior
Admire the striking, modern design by Francine Houben, a true landmark of Birmingham.
The Shakespeare Memorial Room
Top Floor
Discover a unique space dedicated to Shakespeare, offering a glimpse into literary history.
Children's Discovery Area
Lower Level
A creative and fun space for kids with sand, water, and natural materials for play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Free Entry, Endless Discovery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry & Views
Enjoy stunning cityscapes and explore the library's vast collections for free!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📱 Use the Website
Check opening times and reserve books online before your visit.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The rooftop offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry & Views
Enjoy stunning cityscapes and explore the library's vast collections for free!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📱 Use the Website
Check opening times and reserve books online before your visit.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The rooftop offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
🤫 Quiet Zones Available
Ideal for students or anyone needing a quiet space to work or read.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Library of Birmingham for its stunning modern architecture, free entry, and the breathtaking views from its rooftop garden. It's lauded as a great place for study, with helpful staff and extensive collections. However, the closure of the on-site cafe is a notable drawback for those planning longer visits.
"The largest public library in the UK, Birmingham library is a great place to study. They have a large selection of books- academic, fiction and non-fiction self help books. You can also listen to audio books if you have a membership of the library which is relatively easy to get. The staff is always helpful with information relating to books and other related topics. You can find and reserve a book online on their site. They will find the book in their and other libraries and keep the book aside for you for a period of time.
Having a cafe would be good given that you’d want to take a break from studying. Nevertheless it’s a beautiful place and a must visit from those outside the city. The balcony gives an amazing view of the city. 💖"
Ahzam Fatima
"I visited the Library of Birmingham today. Last year, there was a lovely water feature just outside the library — a great spot where kids could play and cool off. I checked several times this year, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been turned on at all, which was a bit disappointing.
That said, I did discover a small children’s play area at the lower level of the library that I hadn’t seen before. It includes sand, water, wooden toys, and natural materials — a very fun and creative space for children to enjoy.
Great to see the library offering more for little ones, but I really hope the water feature returns soon!"
bahareh mardukhpour
"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."
Mal333
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Library of Birmingham is centrally located in Centenary Square, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from Birmingham New Street and Moor Street train stations.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the library, several multi-story car parks are within a short walking distance, including Brindleyplace and Paradise Circus.
Yes, the Library of Birmingham is a great place to work remotely. Many visitors bring their laptops and find quiet study areas. It's advisable to bring headphones for any calls.
The library is designed to be fully accessible, with lifts and ramps available throughout the building to ensure everyone can enjoy its facilities.
Start by taking the elevator to the upper floors for the rooftop garden and city views, then work your way down, exploring the different collections and exhibitions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Library of Birmingham is completely free for all visitors.
Opening times can vary, but generally, the library is open from Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you can reserve books online through their website. If a book is available in their collection or other libraries, they will hold it for you.
A library membership is required to borrow books or use certain services like audiobooks, but general access to the building, its spaces, and the rooftop garden is free.
The library often hosts various exhibitions covering history, art, and literature. Check their website or inquire at the information desk for current displays.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Library of Birmingham, especially in public areas and the rooftop garden. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas.
The rooftop garden offers stunning panoramic views of Birmingham. The interior architecture, with its grand scale and book-lined walls, also makes for impressive shots.
Absolutely! The rooftop terrace provides an excellent vantage point for capturing the city's skyline, particularly beautiful during sunset.
For professional or commercial photography, it's advisable to contact the library in advance to inquire about permits and guidelines.
Visitors often share photos of the modern architecture, the expansive book collections, and the breathtaking views from the rooftop garden.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Unfortunately, the library's cafe has closed. Visitors looking for refreshments will need to find options outside the library.
Yes, Centenary Square and the surrounding areas, like Brindleyplace, offer a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or outside the library to maintain its cleanliness and atmosphere.
Many restaurants in the vicinity cater to families, offering children's menus and a relaxed atmosphere.
You'll find a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional British pubs to international flavors like Italian, Indian, and Vietnamese street food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the library's cafe has closed, there are plenty of family-friendly dining options nearby in Centenary Square. The library's vast collection also offers a world of stories and learning for all ages, making it a great place to foster a love of reading in children.
📚 Book Lovers & Students
The Shakespeare Memorial Room is a particular highlight for literary enthusiasts. Students will find the library an ideal study environment. It offers numerous quiet study spaces, private rooms, and reliable internet access.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The rooftop garden is a prime location for cityscape photography, especially during the golden hour or sunset, offering unparalleled views of Birmingham. +1Visitors often share photos of the library's grand interior, the towering bookshelves, and the panoramic vistas from the upper levels. Remember to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography in certain areas to get the best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The library's interior is equally impressive, featuring a vast, cylindrical main chamber with books stacked high across multiple floors. This unique layout not only maximizes space but also creates a visually stunning effect. The use of statement elevators and light-filled floors contributes to a modern and airy feel, making it a pleasant environment for both study and leisure.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the architecture is functional, housing extensive collections, exhibition spaces, and public amenities. The integration of the Shakespeare Memorial Room, a circular room salvaged from the old library, adds a layer of historical significance to the modern structure.
The Rooftop Garden and City Views
+1The garden is beautifully landscaped with various plants and seating areas, making it an ideal place to unwind. Many visitors describe it as a 'secret garden' due to its elevated and somewhat hidden location. The views are particularly stunning during sunset, casting a warm glow over the city.
This elevated viewpoint is not just for leisure; it also serves as a fantastic photography spot. Whether you're capturing the cityscape or simply enjoying a quiet moment, the rooftop garden is a must-visit attraction within the library complex.
A Hub for Learning and Community
The library provides numerous study spaces, including private rooms and open-plan areas, making it an excellent destination for students and researchers. It also offers access to internet and computers, supporting digital inclusion. The helpful and professional staff are always on hand to assist visitors with their inquiries.
Beyond its traditional library services, the Library of Birmingham hosts a variety of activities and exhibitions, aiming to engage the local community and visitors alike. These events contribute to its role as a dynamic center for learning, creativity, and social interaction.
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