Library of Birmingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Library of Birmingham |
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| General information | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | Public library | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Architectural style |
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| Location | Centenary Square | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Address | Broad Street | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Town or city | Birmingham | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Country | United Kingdom | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 52°28′47″N 1°54′30″W / 52.47972°N 1.90833°W | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 144 m (472 ft) AOD | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction started | 7 January 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Completed | April 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Opened | 3 September 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | £188.8 million | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Client | Birmingham City Council | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Owner | Birmingham City Council | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 60 metres (200 ft) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Technical details | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Floor count | 10 (OG) 1 (UG) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Floor area | 20,798m2 (plus 6,804m2 shared with the REP) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Design and construction | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Architect | Francine Houben | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Architecture firm | Mecanoe architecten | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Structural engineer | Buro Happold | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Services engineer | Buro Happold/Capita | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Civil engineer | Buro Happold | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Main contractor |
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| Awards and prizes | |||||||||||||||||||||
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The Library of Birmingham is a large public library located in central Birmingham, England. It stands in Centenary Square, right next to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Baskerville House. The library first opened its doors on 3 September 2013. It cost about £188.8 million to build. Many people consider it to be one of the biggest public libraries in the United Kingdom.
Contents
About the Library
The Library of Birmingham is a modern building that serves the public. It offers a huge collection of books and other materials. It is a place where people can learn, read, and explore many different topics.
Building Design and Features
The library was designed by a famous architect named Francine Houben. Her company, Mecanoo architecten, created its unique look. The building is 60 meters tall and has 10 floors above ground. It also has one floor underground. The library's design mixes old and new styles. It uses both Postmodern and High-Tech architecture.
The building has a total area of 20,798 square meters. It also shares 6,804 square meters with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. This shared space helps connect the two important cultural buildings.
What You Can Find Inside
The Library of Birmingham holds a massive collection of items. It has about 800,000 books. But it's not just books! You can also find:
- Journals and newspapers
- Magazines
- Official government papers
- Photographs
- Films from the BFI Mediatheque
- Music and sound recordings
- Maps
- Postage stamps
- Prints and drawings
- Old manuscripts
The library is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn. It has something for everyone.
Awards and Recognition
The Library of Birmingham has won several important awards. These awards show how special its design and purpose are.
- It was named the Architects' Journal Building of the Year in 2013.
- It won the RIBA West Midlands Regional Awards Building of the Year in 2014.
- It was also nominated for the Stirling Prize in 2014. This is one of the most important architecture awards.
Images for kids
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The book rotunda from Level 3
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Decoration on the exterior of the building
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Shakespeare Memorial Room
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca de Birmingham para niños
