Information point

The Shakespeare Memorial Room is very much the Library of Birmingham’s crowning glory, and has a rich history spanning over 130 years. Designed by John Henry Chamberlain in 1882, the room was created to house the city’s growing Shakespeare Memorial Library.

Wrapped around the 7th Floor, the Secret Garden is the building’s highest terrace and provides stunning views across the city.

The Discovery Floor is home to the BFI Mediatheque. An exciting partnership with the British Film Institute, this space hosts a wonderful archive of films, documentaries and home-movies.

The Gallery is a showcase for the Library of Birmingham’s internationally renowned collections and hosts an exciting programme of in-house and visiting exhibitions.

One of the first things you see when you come through the door and at the heart of the stunning Foyer space, Spotlight brims with energy and life. Whether it’s an event, performance, exhibition or simply the hustle and bustle of everyday use, Spotlight is always vibrant and dynamic. It’s also a real feast for the senses, providing superb sight lines through the building.

The Amphitheatre is a unique open-air performance space which hosts a varied programme throughout the year. Audiences can enjoy an event from street level or get close to the action via the Music Library on the Lower Ground Floor. Glazed walls and hard floor tiling provide this space with excellent acoustics.

The Book Rotunda is the real heart of the library and a spectacular architectural feature. Spanning several floors, the rotunda houses tens of thousands of volumes from our extensive collections. This impressive yet intimate space illustrates the Library of Birmingham’s ongoing commitment to the printed word.