Birmingham Central Library Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Birmingham Central Library

General information
Status	Demolished
Type	Public library
Architectural style	Brutalist
Location	Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, England
Coordinates	52°28′49.07″N 1°54′17.17″W / 52.4802972°N 1.9047694°W / 52.4802972; -1.9047694
Construction started	April 1969
Completed	December 1973
Opening	12 January 1974
Closed	29 June 2013
Demolished	2016
Cost	4.7 million Pound sterling
Owner	Birmingham City Council
Height	22.6 metres (74 ft)
Technical details
Floor count	8
Floor area	224,918m²
Design and construction
Architect	John Madin
Architecture firm	John Madin Design Group
Structural engineer	Ove Arup & Partners
Services engineer	R.W. Gregory & Partners
Quantity surveyor	L.C. Wakeman & Partners
Main contractor	Sir Robert McAlpine

The Birmingham Central Library was a very important public library located in Birmingham, England. It served as the main library for the city for many years. This large building closed its doors on June 29, 2013. A new and modern library, called the Library of Birmingham, opened to replace it.

At one point, the Birmingham Central Library was the biggest library in Europe that wasn't a national library. It was a huge place for people to learn and explore.

What Was the Birmingham Central Library?
- When Was the Library Built?
- Who Designed This Building?
  - How Big Was It?
Why Did the Library Close?
- When Was It Demolished?
Images for kids
See also

What Was the Birmingham Central Library?

The Birmingham Central Library was a major hub for books and information. It was designed to be a central place for everyone in Birmingham. People could borrow books, read newspapers, and do research there.

When Was the Library Built?

The library building was started in April 1969. It took a few years to build. The construction finished in December 1973. The library officially opened its doors to the public on January 12, 1974.

Who Designed This Building?

The library was designed by an architect named John Madin. His design firm, John Madin Design Group, created the plans. The building had a special style called Brutalist. This style often uses lots of concrete and has a strong, bold look.

How Big Was It?

The library was quite tall, standing about 22.6 meters (74 feet) high. It had eight floors inside. The total area of the library was very large, covering 224,918 square meters. This made it one of the biggest libraries around.

Why Did the Library Close?

The Birmingham Central Library closed because a new, more modern library was built. The city decided to create the Library of Birmingham to offer better facilities. The old building was then taken down.

When Was It Demolished?

The demolition of the Birmingham Central Library started in 2016. It was completely taken down to make way for new developments in the city center. The area where it stood is now part of a big redevelopment project.

Images for kids

Central Library after the 1879 fire
J. H. Chamberlain's rebuilt Central Library of 1882, demolished in 1974.
The tall clerestoried reading room of the 1882 library.
The library under construction in 1973.
One of the reading rooms in the Reference Library
The library from Chamberlain Square in 1983
The central atrium showing one of the six pools; this area later became Paradise Forum
The curved facade of the Lending Library, circa 1975
Under demolition in March 2016
Demolished, July 2016