Most libraries in Birmingham have undergone substantial changes over the past two centuries, yet they have maintained a sense of continuity. The themes are documented in records and images preserved in collections available in these libraries. All libraries in Birmingham feature a world-class collection of rare books, archives, and photographs. It is often difficult for students to find a quiet place to study. The university common rooms and shared houses offer no peace or quiet environment to work or study. Therefore, you must choose a study space that meets your needs. Even if you’re not a student in Birmingham but a tourist who loves exploring book collections, these libraries are must-visit spots.
Here are the top libraries in Birmingham for all the book lovers or students who want to study in a peaceful space:
Top 10 Libraries to Visit in Birmingham
1. Birmingham Library
Location – Centenary Sq, Broad St.
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday
Opening Hours – 11am to 7pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Birmingham Library is a fantastic facility with many amenities to suit everyone’s needs. It includes study spaces, Wi-Fi, and computers. Additionally, the building exhibits intricate decorations, highlighting its contemporary and high-tech aesthetics. The city’s public library is the best place to study outside the campus. Its extensive collection includes several historically significant texts and a substantial Shakespeare collection. Take a break from your screens by gazing at central Birmingham’s panoramic views and strolling around the roof gardens.
2. Harborne Library
Location – High Street
Visiting Days – Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Monday)
Opening Hours – 9:30am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Harborne Library is one of the popular libraries in Birmingham to visit if you’re nearby Harborne or Selly Oak. It is located at the top end of High Street and is served by multiple bus routes. If you want to use a computer, they are available by the hour or rented for shorter periods. The library has a wide variety of sections ranging from fiction to non-fiction. The facility offers a variety of amenities to meet your every need, so why not visit?
3. Acocks Green library
Location – Shirley Road
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday (closed on Friday)
Opening Hours – 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Acocks Green Library was opened on 14 June 1932. The library cost £14,000 to construct, and an additional £3,000 was spent on books. More than 9,000 books were borrowed in the first week after the library opened. The facility was renovated and modernized during the 1990s and reopened on 9 May 1995. Its original features include Grinshill stone masonry and terrazzo, giving it a modern Georgian appearance. There are oak floors in the library, as well as custom-made shelves and furniture. It’s one of the most popular libraries in Birmingham.
4. The Core Library
Location – Touchwood Solihull
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday
Opening Hours – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – The Core Library is perfect for studying or browsing rare book collections. It was designed to focus on light and ease of access to books. There are many amenities to meet your needs, including a wide selection of books and computers. Also, the building has a theater and cafe, where you can enjoy a gripping show and coffee during your break.
5. Erdington Public Library
Location – Orphanage Rd
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday (closed on Wednesday)
Opening Hours – 9:30am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – If you’re looking for one of the spacious libraries in Birmingham, there is no better place to study than Erdington Public Library. Browse through an extensive library collection of books and CDs organized into genre-categorised aisles. IT facilities and self-service machines have reduced queues by a mile, allowing visitors to do what they require.
6. Bloomsbury Library
Location – Nechells POD, 28 Oliver St
Visiting Days – Tuesday & Wednesday
Opening Hours – 9:30am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – The Bloomsbury Library is ideal for studying if you want something old-fashioned and versatile. It’s one of the top libraries in Birmingham you can visit without being a regular Birmingham library user. Many of the building’s traditional features remain intact, making it a unique spot to visit. In this library, you will find a wide range of books unavailable in the Central Library. The library staff holds genealogy events and is committed to serving the community.
7. Main Library
Location – University of Birmingham
Visiting Days – Monday to Sunday
Opening Hours – 24 hours
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Main Library is a book heaven, which especially benefits students at the University of Birmingham. It has more than 1.5 million print books, 866,000 online books, and over 124,000 print and online journals. Students, staff, and researchers will enjoy a ‘transformational experience’ in the milestone building, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Furthermore, the library offers a wide array of innovative learning tools and enhanced accessibility for learning in the 21st Century and beyond. These include wireless charging stations, media rooms, and video editing booths. Every library floor provides several study areas for you to work or study. If you want to take a break from your studies, you may visit the café and library lounge on the ground floor.
8. Castle Vale library
Location – Spitfire House
Visiting Days – Monday to Thursday
Opening Hours – 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Castle Vale Library is more than just a place to borrow books or read. It offers a variety of community groups and events, including knitting groups, arts and crafts sessions, and coffee morning sessions. The library staff considers these events to be its most successful features. It’s one of the libraries in Birmingham with various national programs, including the Summer Reading Challenge, Quick Reads, and Books on Prescription. The building also has a parking lot for its users.
9. Sparkhill library
Location – Stratford Road
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday (closed on Friday)
Opening Hours – 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Sparkhill Library is under the jurisdiction of the Birmingham City Council. The Yardley Rural District Council originally occupied the building in 1900 as Yardley Council House. The library provides a variety of out-of-print books, free internet access, and computer access for the public. The large building serves as a social/cultural center for events and daily lessons.
10.Stirchley library
Location – Bournville Lane
Visiting Days – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Opening Hours – 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Stirchley Community Library is operated by community organizations with support from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Library Service. The library isn’t just a place to browse books, resources and information; it’s a safe space for everyone.
If you’re planning to visit Birmingham any time soon, ensure to add any of the above mentioned libraries in Birmingham and spend some quality time reading a book or exploring history gems.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading the blog, you can also read some of our blogs that might be of your interest:
