The Library of Birmingham
Posted by: 
woodbeast
N 52° 28.782 W 001° 54.514
30U E 574122 N 5814953
The Library of Birmingham situated in Centenary Square
Waymark Code: WMV9HH
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/19/2017
Views: 6
The Library of Birmingham is a public library in Birmingham, England. It is situated on the west side of the city centre at Centenary Square, beside the Birmingham Rep (to which it connects, and with which it shares some facilities) and Baskerville House. Upon opening on 3 September 2013, it replaced Birmingham Central Library. The library, which is estimated to have cost £188.8 million, is viewed by the Birmingham City Council as a flagship project for the city's redevelopment. It has been described as the largest public library in the United Kingdom, the largest public cultural space in Europe, and the largest regional library in Europe. 2,414,860 million visitors came to the library in 2014 making it the 10th most popular visitor attraction in the UK.
Construction
Preparation of the ground for building, and archaeological work between Baskerville House and The Rep had begun before planning permission had been granted. Planning permission was finally granted and approved by Birmingham City Council in December 2009. Building work, which was undertaken by Carillion, commenced in January 2010, with a completion schedule for 3 September 2013. A topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the highest part of the building took place on 14 September 2011.
Opening
The formal opening on 3 September 2013 was conducted by Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived a Taliban assassination attempt, and who now lives in Birmingham. Before unveiling a plaque, she said "Let us not forget that even one book, one pen, one teacher can change the world".
Awards
At the 2014 RIBA West Midlands Awards, the Library of Birmingham was named overall West Midlands building of the year Mecanoo architect Patrick Arends won emerging architect of the year and Birmingham City Council won client of the year.
In the June 2014 birthday honours, the library's director, Brian Gambles, was made MBE "for services to libraries".
On 17 July 2014 the Library of Birmingham was nominated as one of the six short-listed buildings for the 2014 Stirling Prize, awarded for excellence in architecture.
Details from Wikipedia.
Classification of Library: Public Library (Open to all)
Internet access available: Yes - Your Laptop: Free
Additional Internet Connection Options:
LoB Express - Short Session
On the Lower Terrace there is a mix of short session computers that you may use for 30 minutes without booking and ones you can book for up to 3hrs as long as you have a library card. These are available during LoB Express hours which are Mon - Fri 9.00am to 8.45pm and Sat 11.00am to 4.45pm
Research Computers
These are located on Level 3. Please ask staff to log you in. You can access various databases and learning packages on these terminals.
Wi-Fi
Free Visitor Wi-Fi is available in the Library.
Hours of Operation:
Library of Birmingham Opening Hours
Full service:
Monday and Tuesday 11am – 7pm,
Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm
LoB Express on the ground floor:
Monday to Friday, 9am – 11am,
Monday and Tuesday, 7 – 9pm
Wednesday to Friday, 5 – 9pm
Approximate date of opening.: 09/03/2013
Library Website: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.