At the Library of Birmingham, you’ll find historical items relating to William Shakespeare, photography displays and 19th-century greeting cards, and books dating back to the 1500s. The library was originally called the Birmingham Central Library, but is now known as the Library of Birmingham in its new location in Centenary Square. This new lending facility and museum will be spread over 10 floors.Go to the Shakespeare collection to find over 40,000 artifacts about the playwright’s life and work. Among these are around 6,000 photographs and 10,000 programs. Look for a copy of the First Folio. It was printed in 1623 and was the first book to contain all of Shakespeare’s plays. Book lovers will also enjoy the Parker Collection, a set of children’s literature and games. The oldest book dates to 1538.Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the collections of Birmingham-born Benjamin Stone, who was a British politician. Don’t miss the displays of American and European portrait photographs taken in the mid-1800s. Find one of the biggest collections of silent movie music in the U.K., including a rare piece by Charlie Chaplin, and an exhibition of greetings cards from the early 19th to 20th century.Younger visitors to the library should explore the Glad Ur Not… galleries. Prints, photographs and storybooks portray the daily life of children during the Industrial Revolution. Come to the library during the annual Birmingham Literature Festival for talks and poetry readings. Visit the Library of Birmingham’s official website for full details, plus information on talks and theatrical performances taking place in the outdoor amphitheater.Located in the city center, the Library of Birmingham is a short walk from major city attractions, including Symphony Hall and Victoria Square. The nearest train station, New Street, is a 15-minute walk away. Public buses stop on nearby Broad Street.The library is open every day of the year, except for public holidays. From Monday to Friday it’s open until late. Check the website for exact opening hours.
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Popular places to visit
Hall of Memory War Memorial
This memorial is a peaceful space in the city center devoted to Birmingham residents who lost their lives in military service.
Symphony Hall
Listen to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and watch world-famous rock and pop musicians at this concert hall.
International Convention Centre
Remarkably elegant and extremely well-equipped, Birmingham’s most ambitious venue hosts more than 350 different events every year.
Chamberlain Square
A museum and art gallery, historical buildings, a food court and a Christmas market all make this public square a focal point of Birmingham’s city center.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
This museum in the city center houses the world’s biggest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, as well as important artifacts from across history.
Ikon Gallery
This dynamic gallery combines a passion for the avant-garde with a commitment to making contemporary art more accessible.
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