Plans for new Library of Birmingham revealed
Repertory Theatre with the new Library of Birmingham. The new facilities will allow both of us to work creatively together and thereby keep Birmingham’s unique cultural offer amongst the greatest in the world.”
Assuming a smooth run through the consultation and planning process construction, to be carried out by Carillion, is expected to begin next year.
The decision to demolish the existing 1974 built Central Library has been met with attempts to get the building listed as a fine example of 20th century brutalist architecture, with some support from English Heritage.
But the Government is currently considering a council request for immunity from listing to ensure it can be demolished and the land sold to generate funds for the new building.
Prince Charles once famously condemned the Central Library, saying it resembled an incinerator more suited to burning books than storing them but supporters say it can be restored and renovated at a fraction of the cost of the new building.
The Council is asking the people of Birmingham, to view the plans and comment on them. A series of public exhibitions, including one at the Central Library begins on April 20 and will run until mid May. Full details are available at www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraryofbirmingham.
BIRMINGHAM LIBRARY SERVICE FACTBOX:
There are currently over 500,000 members of Birmingham’s libraries, with more than 220,000 members actively using their tickets;
More than four million people visit Birmingham Libraries each year;
Almost five million books are issued each year;
500,000 DVDs, CDs and talking books are issued;
Birmingham Central Library has over five million items in its wide and varying archive collections;
The largest book in the Central Library is Birds of America, 1827 - 1838, 99.06cm x 66.04cm unopened, by John James Audubon;
The smallest book in the Central Library is The Bijou Series, a set of miniature books printed about 1850, one inch high;
The oldest book in the Central Library is Catholicon by Joannes Balbus, Printed in Augsberg, Germany by Guntherus Zainer 1469;
The heaviest book in the Central Library is Investigations and Studies in Jade; the Heber R. Bishop Collection, two volumes, 1906. The two volumes weigh 125Ibs;
The oldest book printed in England in Central Library is Cordiale or Four Last Thinges Printed by William Caxton 1479;
The oldest manuscript in the Central Library is Condition of a grant from Leouca, Lady of Elleford (Ellford, Staffs) to the monks at Mirau (Merevale, Warks) of the mill of Elford about 1140 A.D.
