Information Services (Arts, Languages and Literature)
Further Changes to Central Library
We’re getting ready to move to the new library in 2013 – it’s a huge and complex task. We’ve found a way to keep the Central Library OPEN while we do this, but there will be some changes. From Monday 12 December floors 4, 5 and 6 will be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays and the opening hours for the whole library will be changed to 10am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am -5pm on Saturdays. Find out more about changes to Central Library Phase 2.
Our study carrel provision is now offered to customers on a self-service basis. On Monday, Tuesday and Saturday study carrels will be available on Floor 3. From Wednesday to Friday they can also be used on Floors 3 - 5. Booking will not be required and the carrels will not be locked or unlocked by staff.
Welcome to Arts, Languages and Literature
. . . parts of Information Services in the Central Library.
Find out about the subjects we cover and the range of material and services we have to offer. Most material is for reference so cannot be borrowed.
FAQs | Subjects | Poetry Place | Starting Point | Exam Papers | Internet Resources | Audio Visual material | Journals | Writers' Pack | Lists, Guides & Indexes including reading, writing and drama groups, dance schools and black writers | First Impressions
We do offer a personal enquiry service by e-mail, letter or telephone. A large number of study desks are available.
How to contact us
Arts, Languages and Literature
Floor Three
Central library
Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3HQ
Tel: +(44) 121 303 4545
information.services@birmingham.gov.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 10am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday Closed All Day
Subjects
We cover a wide range of subjects and below is a guide to the main themes. To find out more choose the subject area you are interested in.
NEW-Mini collections! These are collections of books and materials from contemporary publications and re-allocation of stock.
Poetry Place
We have a Poetry Place which is an area in the library where poetry is collected together, and is dedicated to raising the profile of, and promoting the best of contemporary poetry. The Poetry Places are recognised as centres of excellence by the Poetry Society.
Information is available about poetry competitions. In stock we have poetry magazines including titles now out of print showing first publications of seminal modern poets from the 60s, 70s and earlier. We have put together a list of current poetry magazines in the Midlands. Also the War Poetry Collection, one of the largest of its kind is well worth looking at. We subscribe to The Columbia Granger's World of Poetry which allows you to search for poems by author, title, first line, subject and keywords.
Starting Point
The aim of the Starting Point Collection is to provide material at an introductory level, usually GCSE and A level standard. It includes all the subjects covered by Arts, Languages and Literature.
Exam Papers
The Central Library has a useful collection of exam material covering main GCSE and A level subjects. As well as exam papers from previous years we also have the current year's specifications (syllabuses).
The websites of the examining boards now have archives of recent past papers, current syllabuses and other useful examination material. Some of the main addresses are -
www.aqa.org.uk
www.ocr.org.uk
www.edexcel.org.uk
Audio Visual Material
Need to study one of the literary classics or interested in classical films ? We hold an extensive collection of Shakespeare videos as well as literature and film classics. You can watch videos about film, theatre, dance, painting, sculpture and craft.
Finally found time to learn a language? We stock books, tapes and CDs covering 57 languages. Or you can learn a language online.
Come and discover the audio visual material we have available for use within the library.
Collections
Birmingham Central Library holds many unique, interesting and major research collections that have been built up over a number of years by donations and library purchase. These collections contain exquisitively beautiful or historically important items. Some of the material is very rare and in some cases unique.
Introduction to the Collections in Arts, Languages and Literature
Birmingham Shakespeare Library including Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice plus an Introduction to Shakespeare
Sir Barry Jackson and Birmingham Repertory Theatre Archives
Cervantes
Early and Fine Printing Collection
Johnson Collection
Milton Collection
Parker Collection of Children's Books
Parker Collection of Children's Games
War Poetry Collection
Exhibition Catalogues
Oberammergau Passion Play Festival Collection
Journals
We have an extensive selection of journals available covering the majority of our subject areas.
We take many journals which go back to the 19th Century and earlier. To find out about our historical collections then please use the Library Catalogue or contact us directly.
Writers' Pack
- Are you a budding writer who would like some help and advice on publishing your work?
- Would you like to know more about writers and copyright, agents, self publishing or just general advice and information on the publishing industry?
The Writers' Pack may be just the thing you need to kick-start your writing career.
Lists and Guides
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Online versions of many of the information sheets compiled by Arts, Languages and Literature, including Amateur Dramatic Groups, Art Galleries, Creative Writing Groups, Dance Schools, Auctioneers and Photographic Societies - all of these in Birmingham. |
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This select list is intended as an introduction to Library resources and websites relating to Black and Asian Artists in the UK. |
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This select list is intended as an introduction to Library resources and websites relating to Black and Asian Fiction Writers. |
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This select list is intended as an introduction to Library resources and websites on and by Black and Asian British Poets. |
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This select list is intended as an introduction to Library resources and websites relating to Black and Asian British Dramatists. |
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This select list is intended as an introduction to Library resources and websites relating to black and Asian Theatre and Dance. |
Internet Resources
These websites can be accessed from computers in Birmingham Libraries and some from home too:
Literature Resource Centre, including Contemporary Authors (now available on home, college and office computers if you have a library card).
Wilson Art Index to periodical articles articles on all aspects of the arts.
The Columbia Granger's World of Poetry - search for poems by author, title, first line, last line, subject and keywords.
Oxford English Dictionary the authoritative guide to the English language. Library card login on computers outside Birmingham Libraries.
Grove Art Online - the full text of The Dictionary of Art (1996, 34 vols) and The Oxford Companion to Western Art
FAQs
Do you have a question about any of our services or subject areas ? Then check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Find out about the smallest, largest, heaviest and oldest books and other facts about Birmingham Libraries.
The Arts Team at Birmingham City Council provides a variety of accessible, challenging, enjoyable and inspirational arts experiences that present Birmgham as an exciting and diverse city to visit and live in. They run projects, provide training and services and promote the Arts to all sections of the community.
You can use the online Library Catalogue to help you locate material. Some items published before 1973 or that are in the collections may not be listed in the online catalogue.
Most of the current material is available for browsing on the shelves. Older or valuable items are held in a closed access store. This will be available only occasionally as we prepare for the move to the Library of Birmingham.
As some items held in the store are valuable, when you request these items you will be asked to provide proof of your name and address. To consult certain particularly rare or valuable items you will need to book an appointment.
All our staff are pleased to help you with your enquiry which can be made in person, via telephone, e-mail or letter. It is always advisable to contact us before you make a special journey.
FAQs for Arts, Languages and Literature
Useful Information from Arts, Languages and Literature
Poetry Places
J. R. R. Tolkien