10 Things to Do in Birmingham Library (Birmingham, United Kingdom)
Birmingham Library in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is one of the largest and oldest libraries in the world. Established in 1866, the library houses over 1.3 million books, making it the largest public library in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe. It is also home to a variety of special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, and archives. With so much to explore, here are ten things to do at Birmingham Library.
1. Explore the Rare Books and Manuscripts: The library holds a wealth of rare books and manuscripts, including the Birmingham Collection, which is one of the largest collections of books and manuscripts in the world. The collection includes books from the 15th to the 20th century, with a focus on the literature, history, and culture of Birmingham and the West Midlands.
2. Visit the Special Collections: The library houses a variety of special collections, including the Birmingham Collection, the Birmingham Local History Collection, the Birmingham Music Collection, the Birmingham Science Collection, and the Birmingham Art Collection. These collections feature works from some of the most famous authors, artists, and scientists from Birmingham and the surrounding area.
3. Attend a Lecture or Workshop: The library hosts a variety of lectures and workshops throughout the year, covering topics such as literature, history, science, and art. These events are free and open to the public, so it’s a great way to learn more about the library and its collections.
4. Take a Tour: The library offers guided tours of its collections and facilities. The tours are free and provide an in-depth look at the library’s history, collections, and services.
5. Check Out a Book: The library has an extensive collection of books, both new and old. Visitors can borrow books for free, making it a great way to explore the library’s collections.
6. Visit the Reading Room: The library’s reading room is a great place to relax and read. The room is open to the public and provides a comfortable and quiet place to read.
7. Attend a Film Screening: The library hosts a variety of film screenings throughout the year. These screenings are free and open to the public, and feature classic and contemporary films from around the world.
8. Participate in a Book Club: The library hosts a variety of book clubs throughout the year, covering topics such as literature, history, science, and art. These book clubs are free and open to the public, and provide a great way to explore the library’s collections.
9. Explore the Digital Collections: The library has an extensive collection of digital materials, including e-books, audio books, and videos. These materials can be accessed for free, and can be viewed from any device.
10. Visit the Gift Shop: The library has a gift shop, where visitors can purchase books, gifts, and souvenirs. The shop is open to the public, and provides a great way to support the library.
Birmingham Library is a great place to explore and learn. Whether you’re interested in exploring the library’s collections, attending a lecture or workshop, or just browsing the gift shop, there’s something for everyone at Birmingham Library.