Library of Birmingham: The People's Palace of Knowledge and Culture
Discover Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham, a modern cultural landmark with vast archives, stunning rooftop gardens, and free entry for all.
The Library of Birmingham, located in Centenary Square, is a striking modern landmark and one of Europe's largest public libraries. Known as the 'People’s Palace,' it offers over a million books, extensive archives including the world’s second largest Shakespeare collection, and vibrant cultural spaces like galleries, an amphitheatre, and rooftop gardens with panoramic city views. Open Monday to Saturday with free entry, it serves as a dynamic hub for learning, community events, and stunning architecture.
A brief summary to Library of Birmingham
- Centenary Sq, Birmingham, B1 2ND, GB
- +441212424242
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the library’s ten floors and rooftop gardens.
- Visit the Shakespeare Memorial Room and the rooftop terraces for breathtaking city views.
- Check the library’s website to reserve books or plan visits to special exhibitions and events.
- Use quiet zones and study areas if you need a peaceful environment for reading or work.
- Explore the unique archives like the Boulton and Watt collection and the extensive map room.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 15 to 20-minute walk via pedestrian-friendly routes to Centenary Square where the Library is located. The station is well-served by regional and national trains, making it an accessible arrival point.
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Bus
Multiple bus lines serve Broad Street and Centenary Square, with frequent services running every 10 to 20 minutes from various parts of Birmingham city center. Tickets cost approximately £2 to £4 for a single journey.
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Car
Public car parks such as Cambridge Street and Arena Birmingham are nearby. Parking fees range from £3 to £10 depending on duration. Note that city center traffic and parking availability can vary, so plan accordingly.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to the Library of Birmingham is convenient, with flat, paved routes through the city center. Walking times vary but expect 10 to 30 minutes from central hotels and attractions.
Library of Birmingham location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Library of Birmingham
A Modern Architectural Icon in Birmingham's Heart
The Library of Birmingham stands proudly in Centenary Square as a beacon of knowledge and culture. Designed by architect Francine Houben, this contemporary building is celebrated for its innovative design featuring intricate metalwork façades and expansive glass walls. The library’s ten floors house a vast collection that caters to diverse interests, making it one of the largest public libraries in Europe. Its location in one of Birmingham’s most important public spaces ensures excellent accessibility and a vibrant urban atmosphere.Vast Collections and Unique Archives
Inside, visitors discover over a million books alongside internationally recognized archival collections. The library holds the second largest Shakespeare collection in the world, including a rare First Folio from 1623, making it a pilgrimage site for literary enthusiasts. Other treasures include the Boulton and Watt Archive on the Industrial Revolution, extensive photography collections, and a remarkable Map Room with over 50,000 antique maps. These archives are complemented by dedicated spaces such as the Heritage Research Area and the Wolfson Centre for Archival Research, which require appointments for in-depth study.Engaging Cultural and Community Spaces
Beyond books, the Library of Birmingham functions as a cultural hub. It features gallery spaces for exhibitions, a flexible studio theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre for performances, and a recording studio. The Glad Ur Not… galleries offer insights into children’s lives during the Industrial Revolution, while the BFI Mediatheque provides free access to the National Film Archive. The library also hosts year-round events, including talks, poetry readings, and festivals, fostering community engagement and creativity.Rooftop Gardens and Panoramic City Views
One of the library’s most enchanting features is its rooftop gardens, accessible to all visitors. These terraces provide tranquil green spaces amidst the cityscape and offer breathtaking panoramic views of Birmingham’s skyline. The Shakespeare Memorial Room, located on the top floor, is another highlight, combining literary heritage with stunning vistas. These outdoor spaces create a unique blend of nature and urban life, inviting visitors to relax and reflect.Visitor Experience and Facilities
The library welcomes over 2.4 million visitors annually, offering free entry and a range of amenities including a coffee shop, visitor information desk, and free Wi-Fi. Quiet study areas, computer access, and helpful staff support both casual visitors and dedicated researchers. The building’s design encourages exploration through escalators and moving walkways, particularly within the impressive Rotunda—a circular book gallery known for its futuristic atmosphere and labyrinthine staircases.Operating Hours and Accessibility
Open Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, the library is closed on Sundays. Express services provide early morning and late evening access to select floors. The library is fully accessible, with nearby parking and public transport links. Its central location places it within walking distance of major Birmingham attractions, making it an essential stop for visitors seeking knowledge, culture, and stunning architecture.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chamberlain Memorial
0.3 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
0.3 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
The River
0.4 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Historic England
0.5 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
Workers Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
Chamberlain Clock
0.9 km
An elegant Edwardian clock tower at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, built in 1903 as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain and recently restored to its former glory.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
0.9 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
St Chad's Catholic Cathedral
1.0 km
Discover Birmingham’s first post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, a Gothic Revival masterpiece rich in history, art, and spiritual heritage.
Bullring & Grand Central
1.0 km
Explore Birmingham's Bullring & Grand Central: a shopping and dining paradise that blends modern architecture with an unforgettable experience.
St. Martin's
1.1 km
Explore St. Martin's Church, a serene Anglican landmark in Birmingham, where architectural beauty and rich history await every visitor.
The Jewellery Quarter
1.1 km
Explore Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, a vibrant district filled with artisan shops, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.
The Selfridges Building
1.1 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
West Midlands Police Museum
1.1 km
Explore the captivating history of law enforcement at the West Midlands Police Museum in Birmingham, a unique attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
1.3 km
Step into a perfectly preserved jewellery workshop and discover Birmingham’s sparkling heritage through immersive guided tours and rich craftsmanship history.
Edgbaston Village
1.4 km
Discover the picturesque Edgbaston Village in Birmingham—where history meets modern charm in a vibrant community setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Secret Garden
0.0 km
Discover a peaceful rooftop oasis with stunning city views atop Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham.
Centenary Winter Carousels
0.1 km
Experience festive joy and colorful carousels in Birmingham’s vibrant Centenary Square during the magical winter season.
Hall of Memory
0.1 km
Discover the Hall of Memory in Birmingham, a significant memorial dedicated to the bravery of those who served in the World Wars amidst serene gardens.
Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
0.1 km
Iconic gilded bronze statue celebrating Birmingham’s industrial pioneers Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch on Broad Street.
Symphony Hall
0.1 km
Experience world-class acoustics and vibrant live performances at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall on Broad Street.
Regency Wharf
0.2 km
Scenic canals, vibrant dining, and cultural events converge at Birmingham’s dynamic Regency Wharf.
Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.2 km
Discover the historic Lock 3 within Birmingham’s iconic Farmers Bridge Locks, a captivating canal engineering marvel in the city centre.
Birmingham Walk of Stars
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage through a vibrant walk of fame honoring its legendary icons along Broad Street.
Chamberlain Sq
0.3 km
Where Victorian grandeur meets modern Birmingham – a lively civic square with museums, markets, and great architecture.
Gas Street Basin
0.3 km
Historic canal basin at Birmingham’s heart blending industrial heritage with vibrant waterside leisure and scenic urban charm.
Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.3 km
Historic flight of 13 canal locks showcasing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and vibrant urban waterways.
The Coffin Works
0.3 km
A Victorian coffin factory preserved as a time-capsule museum, revealing the craftsmanship behind royal funerals and industrial Birmingham.
Chamberlain Square
0.3 km
Birmingham’s iconic public square blending Victorian grandeur with modern vibrancy and cultural celebration.
Birmingham Town Hall
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham Town Hall, a Roman Revival architectural gem and historic concert venue at the heart of Victoria Square.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
0.3 km
Dive into the UK's only 360° Ocean Tunnel and meet playful penguins, rescued sea otters, and thousands of marine creatures at Birmingham’s premier aquarium.
Essential places to dine
Aria Restaurant
0.1 km
Glass-roofed fine dining sanctuary serving seasonal British cuisine in Birmingham's city centre.
Opheem
0.3 km
Experience Michelin-starred Indian cuisine reimagined with British seasonal flair in Birmingham’s elegant Opheem.
Dishoom Birmingham
0.3 km
A vibrant 1960s Bombay café in central Birmingham, serving bold Indian street food and classics in a theatrical, nostalgic setting with a large outdoor terrace.
Bistrot Pierre - Birmingham
0.3 km
Authentic French bistro on Birmingham's canalside, serving traditional cuisine at accessible prices in a Grade II listed building.
The Coconut Tree Birmingham
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and unique island Cocotails in a lively, colorful setting at The Coconut Tree Birmingham.
Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill
0.4 km
Sophisticated grill classics and fresh seafood in a stylish Brindleyplace setting with scenic canal terraces and vibrant atmosphere.
Noel’s Bar and Restaurant
0.4 km
Mediterranean charm meets Birmingham's waterfront—where fresh pasta, charcoal grills, and craft cocktails create unforgettable canalside dining.
Adam's Restaurant
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in Birmingham with creative cuisine, elegant Art Deco style, and impeccable service.
Orelle
0.5 km
Sophisticated French fine dining on the 24th floor with panoramic views across Birmingham’s skyline.
The Birmingham Stable
0.5 km
A lively Birmingham pizza and cider bar with thin-crust sourdough, craft ciders, and a buzzing industrial-chic vibe – perfect for casual dinners and bottomless brunches.
La Galleria
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Birmingham at La Galleria, where tradition meets generous portions and cozy charm.
The Lost & Found Birmingham
0.5 km
A Victorian botanical haven in Birmingham offering creative British cuisine and inventive cocktails in a quirky, vintage-inspired setting.
Turtle Bay Birmingham
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours, lively reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
Tiger Bites Pig
0.6 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant Taiwanese bao culture with fresh, flavorful buns and rice bowls in a cozy, lively city centre spot.
The ARK Birmingham
0.6 km
A vibrant fusion of authentic Indian cuisine and dynamic nightlife in Birmingham’s city center.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Harvey Nichols
0.5 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and gourmet delights at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, a premier designer department store in The Mailbox.
Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service
0.6 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where custom gems and fine collections craft heirlooms with personal stories etched in gold.
Miniso
0.7 km
Bright, affordable design and collectable character goods — a family-friendly stop for pocket-money treats in Grand Central.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Discover stylish apparel, unique homewares, and a vibrant shopping vibe at Urban Outfitters Birmingham in the city centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.7 km
Discover quirky, affordable Scandinavian gifts and everyday essentials that bring joy and creativity to Birmingham’s city center.
Community Gift Shop
0.8 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
The Alice Boutique
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage-inspired fashion in a charming boutique nestled within Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade.
Designer Exchange
0.8 km
Discover authenticated preloved luxury fashion in Birmingham’s elegant Victorian Great Western Arcade.
The Works
0.8 km
Discover affordable arts, crafts, books, and stationery in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant New Street shopping district.
Beauty & the Button
0.8 km
Discover personalised gifts and colourful button frames at Beauty & the Button, Birmingham’s charming shop for meaningful celebrations.
La MC Vintage
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in Birmingham’s charming North Western Arcade at La MC Vintage.
Buff Jewellery
0.9 km
Timeless minimalist jewellery handcrafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—personalised birthstone designs blending sentiment, subtlety, and modern British elegance for everyday sparkle.
SACET
0.9 km
Ethical elegance awaits at SACET, Birmingham's sustainable jewellery gem in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter—where timeless craft meets modern conscience.
Ivy and Rose Gift Shop
0.9 km
Discover handmade UK treasures at Ivy and Rose, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter boutique for unique jewelry, candles, and artisanal gifts from local makers. (162 characters)
Artfull Expression
0.9 km
Discover independent jewelry artistry in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Artfull Expression, where unique handcrafted designs blend historic craft with modern flair.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Botanist Gas Street Basin
0.2 km
A lush botanical bar and restaurant with canal views, seasonal menus, and live music in Birmingham’s vibrant Gas Street Basin.
Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
0.3 km
A stylish canal-side bar in Brindley Place, Birmingham, perfect for all-day dining, cocktails, and vibrant social experiences.
All Bar One Brindleyplace
0.3 km
Stylish canal-side wine bar and cocktail lounge in Birmingham’s vibrant Westside, perfect for bottomless brunches and lively evenings.
Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar in Birmingham’s Brindley Place offering extensive drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and expert bartenders for unforgettable nights.
Slug & Lettuce - Birmingham
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindley Place offering vibrant drinks, tasty bites, and late-night fun in Birmingham’s city centre.
The Alchemist Brindleyplace
0.3 km
Experience Birmingham’s theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindleyplace, where molecular mixology meets creative cuisine above the canal.
Malt House
0.3 km
A vibrant British pub in Birmingham city centre offering classic dishes, lively atmosphere, and a great spot for social gatherings near the arena.
Theatrix Birmingham
0.4 km
Historic charm meets vibrant nightlife at Theatrix Birmingham, a stylish multi-floor bar and entertainment venue in the city centre.
Fox and Chance
0.5 km
An award-winning independent cocktail bar in Birmingham, blending creative drinks with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
0.5 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham blending craft beer culture with modern British cuisine in a spacious, welcoming setting.
Aluna
0.5 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and pan-Asian dining in a stylish canalside setting at Birmingham's Aluna, the Mailbox's premier cocktail bar.
Queen's Arms birmingham
0.5 km
Traditional Jewellery Quarter pub pouring fine ales in a quirky, welcoming space with games, books, and hearty grub amid Birmingham's historic heart. (162 characters)
Gas Street Social
0.5 km
Canalside brasserie and cocktail bar at Birmingham’s Mailbox—known for bottomless brunches, sharers and a lively waterside atmosphere.
BrewDog Birmingham
0.5 km
Discover Birmingham’s craft beer haven with bold brews, industrial vibes, and lively events at BrewDog on John Bright Street.
Dirty Martini - Birmingham
0.5 km
Trendy cocktail bar in Birmingham’s city center, known for stylish decor, expertly crafted drinks, and a lively party atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Reflex - Birmingham
0.2 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
Rosies - Birmingham
0.3 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Popworld - Birmingham
0.4 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
What do you mean
0.6 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
King of clubs
0.6 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
Snobs
0.6 km
Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
0.8 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
PAVO Birmingham
0.8 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
Bambu Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
101 Night Club
0.9 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Sobar
1.0 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
Mango Night Club
1.0 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
Nightingale Club
1.1 km
Birmingham's legendary LGBTQIA+ superclub: three floors of pulsating beats, go-go glamour, and five decades of unapologetic queer joy in the Gay Village.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
1.2 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
suki10c
1.4 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
