The library in the city of Birmingham is an impressive looking building that looks larger than a treasure trove of books should be, but maybe this is the point; the value of books is enormous. The possessions many name “precious” are at present in a trend of serious popularity.
As booksellers report shifting millions of copies of hardbacks and yet millions more of paperbacks, the adaptations, book-lover groups, and online posts that relate an enjoyment of reading continue to populate. This makes a grand central library an object of worth, too.
The interior atrium is clearly its biggest selling point but I feel all of it is functional. It’s a useful space to take an escalator to the upper levels or to browse its shelves. I don’t doubt many have taken to its different sections and enjoyed pulling out a tome or two.
The work spaces are to be used, not just admired, because they work as small cubby holes for serious reading. I noticed a few folks on laptops studiously working away. The computer zones dotted around the building offer a laptop-less visitor a way to get online.
The atmosphere is airy, which is different from the huddled feel of some libraries, but if it fits is up to you. It’s an airy building that doesn’t suffer the multiple floors and ceilings that make it feel too close. The seating areas – with tables – are spacious enough to not trip over things.
A visit to a library like this is relaxed but formal. There’s a silence that is in any library but there’s a relaxed feel in different parts that makes it sensible to work in. I don’t know about you, but sometimes a library needs to be less imposing to get me in and get me reading properly.
