Library of Birmingham Hours 2025 - Europe's Largest Library
Quick Facts
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Library of Birmingham at Centenary Square is EUROPE'S LARGEST PUBLIC LIBRARY - a £189 million architectural masterpiece that opened in September 2013, serving Birmingham's 1.1+ million residents and 2.5 million annual visitors. This 10-floor landmark building features a distinctive golden filigree façade designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo, covering 31,000 square meters with over 1 million books, the relocated Victorian Shakespeare Memorial Room (1882), secret rooftop gardens with panoramic city views, and cutting-edge digital resources.
Open Monday-Thursday until 7pm (latest weekday closing time for major UK public libraries), the Library of Birmingham is FREE to enter for everyone - no library card needed for browsing, WiFi, study spaces, exhibitions, or rooftop gardens. Located just 3 minutes' walk from Birmingham New Street station in the heart of the city centre's cultural quarter, the library sits alongside Symphony Hall, International Convention Centre, and Rep Theatre, making it perfect for combining culture, study, or simply enjoying the stunning architecture.
The library replaced the 1970s Birmingham Central Library (demolished 2016) and instantly became Birmingham's most photographed building. With dedicated floors for children (Level 1 with outdoor amphitheatre), adult lending (Level 2), reference & archives (Level 3), Learning Centre (Level 4), and two Secret Garden outdoor terraces (Levels 3 & 7) offering 360° views across Birmingham, this is far more than a library - it's a cultural destination, study haven, tourist attraction, and community hub rolled into one spectacular space.
📚 Library of Birmingham
Address: Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2ND
Phone: 0121 242 4242
Email: libraries@birmingham.gov.uk
Current Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Bank Holidays | CLOSED (except special openings - check website) |
| Christmas & New Year | CLOSED Dec 24-26, Jan 1-2 |
⚠️ Different floors may have varying hours. Shakespeare Memorial Room closes 30 minutes before main library. The Book Café closes 15 minutes before library. Check birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham for today's hours and bank holiday closures.
Getting to Library of Birmingham
🚂 Train (BEST OPTION)
From Birmingham New Street Station: Just 3 minutes' walk! Exit station via Grand Central (follow "City Centre" signs) → Walk through Paradise Circus → Cross pedestrian bridge to Centenary Square → Library's golden façade visible on your right. Fully accessible route with lifts/escalators.
From Birmingham Moor Street: 8-minute walk through Bullring shopping centre → follow signs to New Street → proceed as above.
Why Train is Best: New Street is UK's busiest station outside London, served by Avanti West Coast (London 1h23m), CrossCountry (Scotland, Southwest, Northeast), West Midlands Railway (local). Direct trains from London Euston, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff. Library is closer to New Street than most city centre hotels!
🚋 Metro Tram
Grand Central Stop (inside New Street station) - Then 3-minute walk as above. West Midlands Metro Line 1 serves Wolverhampton, West Bromwich, Wednesbury. Trams every 6-8 minutes peak times.
🚌 Bus
Birmingham has extensive bus network. Key stops near library:
- Paradise Circus - 2-minute walk. Served by routes 9, 23, 24, 29, 126, 997
- Broad Street/Five Ways - 5-minute walk. Routes 22, 23, 24, 61
- Colmore Row - 7-minute walk. Routes 101, 102, 103
National Express West Midlands operates most services. Single £2.50, day ticket £4.90. Use contactless or Swift card for best fares.
🚗 Driving & Parking
⚠️ WARNING: Birmingham city centre parking is EXPENSIVE (£15-25/day) with strict enforcement. Train strongly recommended!
If you must drive:
- Brindleyplace NCP (5-minute walk) - Sheepcote Street, B16 8AE. £3.50/hour, £18/day. Weekday cheaper after 6pm (£5 evening). 700 spaces.
- Broad Street NCP (3-minute walk) - Lower Essex Street, B5 4TG. £4/hour, £22/day. Often full weekends.
- Q-Park Mailbox (8-minute walk) - Wharfside Street, B1 1RD. £3.80/hour, £20/day. Covered parking.
- On-Street Meters (Broad Street) - £4/hour, 2-hour max. Enforced Mon-Sat 8am-6:30pm. Cameras + wardens = certain £70 ticket if overstay!
Directions: From M6 Junction 6 → follow A38(M) "City Centre" → Exit at Paradise Circus → Broad Street → Turn left, Centenary Square on right. Library's gold building unmissable!
🚴 Cycling
Library has bike parking at rear entrance (Cambridge Street side) - 20+ Sheffield stands, free, monitored by CCTV. Birmingham Canal towpaths connect from suburbs. National Cycle Network Route 5 passes nearby. West Midlands Cycle Hire docking stations at Centenary Square and Brindleyplace.
What Makes Library of Birmingham Special
- Europe's Largest Public Library - 31,000 sq meters across 10 floors. Opened 2013, cost £189 million. Designed by Dutch firm Mecanoo. Replaced old Birmingham Central Library (1974-2013).
- Golden Filigree Façade - Instagram-famous exterior with interlocking circles inspired by Birmingham's jewelry heritage. 5,357 metal circles creating lace-like pattern. Stunning day or night (illuminated after dark).
- Shakespeare Memorial Room - Historic Victorian library (1882) relocated from old Central Library. Ornate carved wood paneling, original bookshelves, rare Shakespeare First Folios, memorial window. Level 9. Pre-booking required for access.
- Secret Gardens (Levels 3 & 7) - FREE rooftop terraces with panoramic 360° views across Birmingham. Level 3: Children's outdoor amphitheatre. Level 7: Adult garden with seating, plants, spectacular skyline views (Rotunda, BT Tower, Selfridges). Perfect for lunch breaks, photos, fresh air!
- Children's Library Paradise (Level 1) - Dedicated floor for kids 0-13 with 45,000 children's books, storytime area, play zone, baby change, outdoor amphitheatre terrace. Hosts Rhyme Time (Tuesdays 10:30am), Storytime (Thursdays 2pm), school holiday activities.
- Archives & Heritage (Level 3) - Birmingham Archives, Photography Collections, local history, genealogy resources. Research desks, microfilm readers, rare manuscripts. Free access, no library card needed.
- Studio Theatre (Ground Floor) - 300-seat performance space hosting talks, film screenings, music, comedy. Check events calendar - most events free!
- The Book Café (Ground Floor) - Costa Coffee-style café serving hot meals, sandwiches, cakes. Open 10am-6:45pm Mon-Thu (closes 4:45pm Fri-Sun). Reasonably priced (£3-7 mains). WiFi-friendly for laptop workers.
- Free WiFi Throughout - "The Cloud" WiFi network, free unlimited access, no registration. Works all 10 floors including terraces. 4G coverage excellent. Hundreds of power sockets for laptops/phones.
- 1,000+ Study Spaces - Individual desks with task lighting, group tables, silent study zones, collaborative areas. Mix of adult (Level 2-4) and children's (Level 1). Gets busy after 3pm when schools finish - arrive before 2pm for best seat!
🎓 University of Birmingham Libraries
Main Library: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT
Phone: 0121 414 5816
Distance from City Centre: 3 miles southwest, 15 min by train/bus
Main Library Hours
| Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM (next day) |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (next day) |
| Exam Periods | Extended to 24 hours |
What's Here: University of Birmingham (Russell Group, founded 1900) operates Main Library plus 11 specialist libraries serving 38,000 students. Main Library has 2.8 million books, 1,200 study spaces, Special Collections including Cadbury Research Library (rare books, archives). Public Access: Visitors welcome for reference use (can't borrow). Bring photo ID. Perfect if Library of Birmingham doesn't have specialist academic resources you need.
Getting There: Train from Birmingham New Street to University station (8 minutes, every 15 mins) OR bus 61/63 from city centre (20 mins).
🏛️ Birmingham City University Library
Location: Curzon Building, 4 Cardigan Street, Birmingham, B4 7BD
Phone: 0121 331 7161
Distance from Library of Birmingham: 10-minute walk
Current Hours
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
What's Here: BCU (formerly Birmingham Polytechnic, university status 1992) serves 29,000 students with resources in art, design, media, business, health, education. Curzon Library is main site. Public Access: Reference use allowed (can't borrow). Particularly strong in art/design if you need specialist journals.
🏢 Library of Birmingham - Floor by Floor Guide
Ground Floor (Street Level - Centenary Square Entrance)
- The Book Café - Coffee, hot meals, seating (food/drink allowed here only)
- Information Desk - Ask questions, get library card, event info
- Studio Theatre - 300 seats, events, film screenings, talks
- Exhibition Space - Rotating displays (check what's on)
- Toilets & Lifts - Fully accessible, baby change facilities
Level 1 - Children's Library
- 45,000 children's books (ages 0-13)
- Storytime area, play zone, family seating
- Outdoor Children's Amphitheatre (secret terrace)
- Events: Rhyme Time (Tue 10:30am), Storytime (Thu 2pm)
- Baby change, breastfeeding area
Level 2 - Adult Lending Library
- Fiction A-Z, large print, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs
- Self-service checkouts (scan library card + items)
- Popular non-fiction (cooking, travel, biography)
- Study desks with power outlets (100+ seats)
Level 3 - Reference Library & Archives
- Birmingham Archives (local history, genealogy)
- Photography Collections (historic Birmingham photos)
- Reference books (can't borrow, use in library only)
- Secret Garden Terrace - Children's outdoor space, city views
- Microfilm/microfiche readers for historical research
Level 4 - Learning Centre
- Computer stations (100+), free internet, Microsoft Office
- Printing/copying (£0.10/page black & white, £0.50 color)
- Study skills workshops, CV/job search help
- Silent study zone (no talking, ideal for concentration)
Levels 5-6 - Storage & Staff Areas
- Closed to public - book storage, staff offices
Level 7 - Secret Garden (Adults)
- ★ MUST-VISIT! Rooftop garden terrace with 360° panoramic views
- Seating, plants, spectacular Birmingham skyline
- See Rotunda, BT Tower, Selfridges, Gas Street Basin
- Perfect for: lunch breaks, Instagram photos, fresh air, sunsets
- Open during library hours (weather permitting)
Levels 8-9 - Shakespeare Memorial Room
- Historic Victorian library (1882) relocated from old Central Library
- Ornate carved wood, stained glass, rare books
- Shakespeare First Folios, 17th-century editions
- ⚠️ Pre-booking required (limited access, preservation)
- Email libraries@birmingham.gov.uk to arrange visit
🌟 Top 3 Study/Visit Spots at Library of Birmingham
1. Level 7 Secret Garden (Rooftop Terrace)
Why Brummies Love It: FREE 360° panoramic views of Birmingham skyline! Outdoor seating, plants, fresh air, spectacular sunsets. Instagram heaven. Far better view than paid attractions like Rotunda 360 (£5+ entry).
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon/early evening for sunset (summer 6-7pm). Weekday mornings quiet. Weekends busier but never crowded.
Insider Tip: Bring coffee from Book Café (ground floor) or from nearby Brindleyplace cafés. Food/drink allowed on outdoor terraces (not inside library floors).
2. Level 4 Silent Study Zone
Why Students Love It: Absolute silence enforced, individual study carrels with task lighting, power outlets every desk, free WiFi. Perfect for exam revision, thesis writing, deep concentration work.
Best Time to Visit: Before 2pm weekdays (less crowded). Avoid 3-6pm when students flood in after school/college. Weekends surprisingly quiet Saturday mornings.
Insider Tip: North-facing desks (windows overlooking Centenary Square) get natural light without afternoon glare. Bring water bottle - Level 4 has water fountain.
3. Shakespeare Memorial Room (Level 9)
Why Visitors Love It: Stunning Victorian library (1882) with ornate carved wood, stained glass, rare Shakespeare First Folios. Like stepping into Hogwarts! Completely different atmosphere from modern building.
Best Time to Visit: Pre-book via email (libraries@birmingham.gov.uk) at least 1 week ahead. Tours typically Tue-Thu afternoons. Limited to 15 people/group for preservation.
Insider Tip: FREE to visit (no admission charge), but booking essential. Combine with Level 7 Secret Garden for perfect "old meets new" library experience!
💡 6 Insider Tips for Library of Birmingham
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Secret Garden is FREE Tourist Attraction - Better Than Paid Viewpoints!
Level 7 Secret Garden offers spectacular 360° Birmingham views absolutely FREE - same vistas as Rotunda 360 (£5 entry) or Hilton rooftop bar (£12 cocktail minimum). Open during library hours, no booking needed, just take lift to Level 7. Best sunset views 6-7pm May-August. Photographers: Golden hour (sunset) makes the city glow. Combine with visit to Brindleyplace canal area (5-minute walk) for perfect Birmingham day out - zero cost!
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Arrive Before 2pm for Best Study Seats
Library gets PACKED after 2-3pm when schools/colleges finish. Weekday mornings (10am-2pm) are quietest - your pick of study desks, no queues for computers. Level 4 Silent Study fills first. Weekend Saturday mornings surprisingly quiet (most students lie-in!). Sunday afternoons (1-4pm) busiest family time. Pro tip: If you need guaranteed seat during busy times, use University of Birmingham Library instead (open until 2am, larger capacity).
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Take Train, NOT Car - Parking is Nightmare & Expensive
Birmingham New Street station is 3 MINUTES WALK from library - genuinely easier than most city centre hotels! Parking costs £15-25/day, often full weekends, traffic congestion terrible. Train from London Euston (1h23m), Manchester (1h30m), Bristol (1h20m) drops you closer to library than any car park. If you must drive: Brindleyplace NCP (5-min walk, £18/day) is best, but book online ahead (saves £5). Red routes/bus lanes heavily enforced with cameras - £70 tickets guaranteed!
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Book Shakespeare Memorial Room Weeks Ahead
Shakespeare Memorial Room (Levels 8-9) requires pre-booking - email libraries@birmingham.gov.uk at least 2 weeks ahead for best availability. Tours typically Tue-Thu afternoons only, 15 people max. It's FREE but limited access for preservation of rare 1882 Victorian interior and Shakespeare First Folios. Worth booking! Absolutely stunning - carved wood paneling, stained glass, completely different vibe from modern building. Like hidden jewel inside modern structure.
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Food/Drink Policy - Where You Can Eat
Food and drink ONLY allowed in: (1) Book Café (ground floor), (2) Outdoor Secret Garden terraces (Levels 3 & 7). All other floors = water bottles with lids ONLY, strictly enforced. Staff will ask you to leave if eating at study desks. Book Café serves hot meals £3-7 (soup, sandwiches, jacket potatoes), coffee £2-3, open until 6:45pm Mon-Thu (4:45pm Fri-Sun). Nearby: Brindleyplace (5-min walk) has Pizza Express, Nando's, Zizzi, Las Iguanas if you need lunch break.
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Combine Library Visit with Birmingham Cultural Quarter
Library of Birmingham sits in heart of Centenary Square cultural district. Within 5-minute walk: Symphony Hall (concerts), International Convention Centre (ICC), The Rep theatre, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (FREE, stunning Pre-Raphaelite collection), Gas Street Basin (canal walks), Brindleyplace (restaurants). Perfect day: Library morning (study/browse) → Book Café lunch → Secret Garden terrace views → Walk canals to Mailbox/Brindleyplace → Afternoon museum/shopping. Library open until 7pm Mon-Thu for evening study sessions after sightseeing!
📇 Getting a Library Card
Birmingham Libraries Card (For Borrowing)
Eligibility: Anyone who lives, works, or studies in Birmingham (or anywhere in UK)
Cost: FREE!
Borrowing Limits: 20 items (books, DVDs, CDs), 3-week checkout, unlimited renewals if no reserves
What You Need:
- Photo ID (passport, driving license, student ID)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, council tax) - dated within last 3 months
- For children under 16: Parent/guardian must apply on their behalf
How to Apply:
- Visit Library of Birmingham Information Desk (ground floor)
- Bring ID + proof of address
- Fill out short form (2 minutes)
- Receive library card immediately (same-day issue)
- Start borrowing right away!
Alternatively - Apply Online: Visit birmingham.gov.uk/joinlibrary → Apply online → Receive library number by email → Collect physical card on next visit OR use digital card immediately for eBooks/audiobooks.
For Visitors & Tourists (No Library Card)
Library of Birmingham is FREE TO ENTER for everyone - no library card needed for:
- Browsing books/magazines (can read in library, can't borrow)
- Free WiFi (unlimited, no registration)
- Study spaces (all 1,000+ seats)
- Computer access (bring photo ID for 1-hour free session)
- Secret Garden terraces (Levels 3 & 7) - spectacular views!
- Shakespeare Memorial Room (pre-book via email)
- Exhibitions, events (most free)
- Reference Library & Archives (research without borrowing)
Perfect for: Tourists visiting Birmingham, business travelers needing WiFi/workspace, students from other cities, anyone wanting spectacular architecture & city views!
📞 Contact & Additional Information
Library of Birmingham
Phone: 0121 242 4242
Email: libraries@birmingham.gov.uk
Address: Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2ND
Book Café
Phone: 0121 242 4242 (main library)
Hours: 10am-6:45pm Mon-Thu, 10am-4:45pm Fri-Sun
Menu: Coffee, hot meals, sandwiches, cakes
Archive & Heritage Services
Phone: 0121 242 4242
Email: archives.heritage@birmingham.gov.uk
Location: Level 3
Events & Room Hire
Email: lob.events@birmingham.gov.uk
Studio Theatre Hire: Available for private events
What's On: Check website for talks, films, concerts
Important Links:
- Today's Opening Hours: birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham
- Join Library Online: birmingham.gov.uk/joinlibrary
- Events Calendar: libraryofbirmingham.com/events
- Book Search (Catalogue): birmingham.gov.uk/library-catalogue
- Transport for West Midlands (Bus/Train/Metro): tfwm.org.uk
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to enter Library of Birmingham?
NO! Library of Birmingham is completely FREE to enter for everyone - locals, tourists, UK visitors, international travelers. No admission charge, no library card needed for browsing, WiFi, study spaces, Secret Garden terraces, or exhibitions. It's a public library funded by Birmingham City Council, free for all. Only paid element is Book Café (optional). This makes it one of Birmingham's best FREE attractions alongside Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery!
Can I take photos inside the library?
YES! Photography welcomed for personal use (Instagram, Facebook, family photos). The golden filigree façade, sweeping escalators, and Secret Garden terraces are Instagram favorites. HOWEVER: No flash photography in Shakespeare Memorial Room (damages rare books). No filming other library users without permission (privacy). Commercial/professional photography requires advance permission - email lob.events@birmingham.gov.uk. Most visitors snap away freely - it's encouraged!
Is there disabled access and facilities?
YES - Library of Birmingham has EXCELLENT accessibility (2013 building, modern standards). Level access from Centenary Square entrance (no steps). Lifts to all 10 floors (large, wheelchair-accessible). Accessible toilets on all floors with baby change. Disabled parking at Broad Street NCP (3-min walk, pre-book Blue Badge space). Hearing loop at Information Desk. Large print books, audiobooks available. Wheelchair loan available (ask Information Desk). Building specifically designed for accessibility - one of UK's best libraries for disabled access!
What's the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
QUIETEST TIMES: Weekday mornings 10am-2pm (especially Mon-Wed). Saturday mornings 10am-12pm (students sleep in!). BUSIEST TIMES: Weekday afternoons 3-6pm (school/college finishing time), Sunday afternoons 1-4pm (families), first week of school holidays. Pro tips: (1) Level 7 Secret Garden rarely crowded even busy times, (2) Shakespeare Memorial Room limited visitors by design (pre-book), (3) Book Café quietest 2-3pm (between lunch/afternoon rush).
Can I work on my laptop all day?
YES! Library of Birmingham welcomes laptop workers, students, remote workers, freelancers. Free WiFi (unlimited data, good speed), hundreds of power outlets, comfortable seating, quiet study zones. Open until 7pm Mon-Thu (9 hours if you arrive at 10am). TIPS: (1) Level 4 has most power outlets at desks, (2) Book Café allows food/drink if working there, (3) Silent study zones = no phone calls, (4) Library respects remote workers - you won't be hassled. Many regulars use it as free co-working space!
Is it worth visiting if I'm just a tourist, not a reader?
ABSOLUTELY YES! Library of Birmingham is Birmingham's most Instagrammed building and a cultural landmark. Even non-readers visit for: (1) Golden filigree architecture (spectacular inside and out), (2) FREE Level 7 Secret Garden panoramic views (better than paid Rotunda 360), (3) Shakespeare Memorial Room Victorian splendor, (4) Book Café with city views, (5) Events (film screenings, talks, music - check calendar). TripAdvisor ranks it #8 of 338 Birmingham attractions. Budget 1-2 hours: ground floor → lift to Level 7 terrace (views) → Level 1 outdoor amphitheatre → Shakespeare Room if pre-booked. Perfect rainy-day activity or cultural stop between Bullring shopping and Brindleyplace dining!
Plan Your Visit to Library of Birmingham
Whether you're a Birmingham resident needing study space, tourist seeking FREE panoramic views, book lover browsing 1 million volumes, or architecture enthusiast photographing Europe's largest public library, the Library of Birmingham offers unforgettable experiences in a world-class building.
Before you visit: Check today's hours at birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham (bank holidays vary). Take train to Birmingham New Street (3-minute walk). Allow 1-2 hours minimum. Don't miss Level 7 Secret Garden rooftop terrace for spectacular FREE city views!
Questions? Call 0121 242 4242 or email libraries@birmingham.gov.uk. See you at Centenary Square! 📚✨