What's new with the library?
The much larger library is definitely aesthetically pleasing.
With a welcoming site of coming into a circular library in contrast with the cubic building but in line with the spherical theme throughout the décor, you feel as though you're entering one of those spiral stair case, top to bottom libraries I've only seen in films.
Definitely bliss for all book worms for first impressions!
With a welcoming site of coming into a circular library in contrast with the cubic building but in line with the spherical theme throughout the décor, you feel as though you're entering one of those spiral stair case, top to bottom libraries I've only seen in films.
Definitely bliss for all book worms for first impressions!
Food.
The first thing I like to know about a place, especially a large one I can expect to spend a lot of time in, is where the food is.
This library has 2 library owned cafes and 1 outsourced restaurant/bar.
On the ground floor there is a cafe close by to the right end of the entrance and the restaurant/bar can be found on the far left. This makes for a nice welcoming feel to the library and immediately offers some range in products.
I felt the library staff were very welcoming and polite, however found the restaurant people rather impolite and standoffish so didn't get anything there, as we weren't offered a menu or starting times!
Staff told us the second library owned cafe on floor 3 also serves as a bar providing alcohol.
Also on the ground floor near the bar, there is a small library shop offering a variety of stationary and a selection of snacks and sweets. Just around the corner of this is a Free ATM.
The first thing I like to know about a place, especially a large one I can expect to spend a lot of time in, is where the food is.
This library has 2 library owned cafes and 1 outsourced restaurant/bar.
On the ground floor there is a cafe close by to the right end of the entrance and the restaurant/bar can be found on the far left. This makes for a nice welcoming feel to the library and immediately offers some range in products.
I felt the library staff were very welcoming and polite, however found the restaurant people rather impolite and standoffish so didn't get anything there, as we weren't offered a menu or starting times!
Staff told us the second library owned cafe on floor 3 also serves as a bar providing alcohol.
Also on the ground floor near the bar, there is a small library shop offering a variety of stationary and a selection of snacks and sweets. Just around the corner of this is a Free ATM.
The balconies, as viewable above, are spacious with lots of seating and greenery, which makes it deal for the recluse to study in, or those who want a bit of fresh air!
On floor 7 looking out towards some of these balconies and their great views are the conference/meeting rooms.
Accessibility
As mentioned in my previous post, accessibility is important, and while so far I think it seems to be ticking some good boxes, such as lifts, escalators, voice recognition that you're reaching the end of a 'travelator' ride, lots of present staff and counters, etc, there may be more that needs to be done that I've not yet noticed.
As far as child-friendliness goes, I think this is a big improvement from before. In the old building they also had a child's area, this has been continued in the new buildings designs with a massive brightly coloured area on the ground floor in the centre. Behind this is where the children's books are down on what I believe is one of the lower floors (although is visible completely from the upper floor. This has a bunch of beanbags and massive screen in one section with masses of books.
On floor 7 looking out towards some of these balconies and their great views are the conference/meeting rooms.
Accessibility
As mentioned in my previous post, accessibility is important, and while so far I think it seems to be ticking some good boxes, such as lifts, escalators, voice recognition that you're reaching the end of a 'travelator' ride, lots of present staff and counters, etc, there may be more that needs to be done that I've not yet noticed.
As far as child-friendliness goes, I think this is a big improvement from before. In the old building they also had a child's area, this has been continued in the new buildings designs with a massive brightly coloured area on the ground floor in the centre. Behind this is where the children's books are down on what I believe is one of the lower floors (although is visible completely from the upper floor. This has a bunch of beanbags and massive screen in one section with masses of books.
On the balcony I saw what looked like a massive art project done by children to brighten the greenery, with signs reading 'have fun'.
Interactive touch screen table - floor 3
Learn History with the interactive touch screen table that allows multiple people to use it at once. This will be great for school trips! =]
Another thing that might be of interest to schools is the Shakespeare Memorial Room.
Learn History with the interactive touch screen table that allows multiple people to use it at once. This will be great for school trips! =]
Another thing that might be of interest to schools is the Shakespeare Memorial Room.
Other resources
IN addition to the above mentioned I found a lot of resource material on services within the library and other national libraries, including help on
IN addition to the above mentioned I found a lot of resource material on services within the library and other national libraries, including help on
- Health & well-being advice and help,
- Educational and business help and advice,
- Learning; both for the elderly, adult learners and those in education,
- Studio rehearsal rooms for hire,
- Art exhibitions,
- And free film booths for the public to watch (floor 3)
To celebrate the opening of the Library of Birmingham in September, the Library are working with a number of partners including Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Writing West Midlands to create a programme of exciting events and activities for all ages running from 3 September until 31 December 2013.