The Library of Birmingham

Overall rating

3.12

aboutSectionText

The Library of Birmingham has been designed to be as easily accessible as possible for all visitors. The Library's design team were assisted by input from the Birmingham Access Committee, who were involved throughout the design process.

reviewsSectionText

Overall rating

3.12

(4 reviews)

Overall rating breakdown

5 1
4 0
3 2
2 0
1 1

Access (avg.)

Parking (avg.)

3.25

Toilets (avg.)

1.87

Staff (avg.)

4.12

dystrophydad

Mar 2025

The Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham is an eye-catching building with a particularly unique design that reminds me of stacked gift boxes decorated with metal rings. It features a great Changing Places toilet as well as the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 9th floor, where you'll find views of the city. The library is a fairly recent addition to the city, opening in 2013 and is one of the largest public libraries in Europe. It’s not just about books either, as the space is used for exhibitions, events and community activities, making it more of a cultural hub than a library.

Read full review

jammy

May 2023

Disabled toilet cords unusable.

While most of the library is accesible. All the toilets I checked had the cords cut short and did not reach the floor. I have seen this every time I have used the library over the last year. I have also previously had to alert staff when an emergency cord was used as nobody was monitoring them, and the alarm wasn't audible from where the staff were based.

Read full review

croquetsue

Feb 2019

Great fully accessible place to visit

Very much enjoyed visiting the Shakespeare Memorial Library and viewing platform on the top floor of this wonderful modern building. Visited the garden and enjoyed walking or driving along the paths. Enjoyed a cup of coffee on the ground floor.

Read full review

Disabled Access Information for The Library of Birmingham

disabledAccessText

Wheelchair and ambulant access Level access entry to front and back of building Doors open on an automated push button or sensor Lifts located close to the entrance and easily identifiable by the blue lobby walls easily identifiable Automated doors to the lift lobby (Please note that the doors to the Lower Ground Floor lift lobby do not open automatically. This is because of the close proximity to the Children's Library and the need to keep children safe). Mirrors in lifts for wheelchair reversing All manual opening doors meet opening resistance parameters Lower counter provided at Information Points Lower façade benching Platform lift to access Book Browse Studio Theatre has front seats and removable seats to pit to allow wheelchair access Children’s steps front row is accessible BFI Mediathequeue - one wheelchair-accessible booth Amphitheatre has wheelchair viewing on terrace in font of handrail Fire fighting evacuation lifts Wheelchair access through the turnstile in our services reception Visual access Colour contrast throughout the building has been carefully considered All glass has markings on it so that it is more easily seen Braille and embossed signs are used on toilets and lift lobbies throughout the building Audio information in lifts An audio guide, including a tour, is available for people with visual impairments. Please ask at the reception desk in the foyer Braille copies of the Visitor Guide are available from the reception desk in the foyer - please ask a member of staff Supernova is available on every computer. This is a specialist programme which is suitable for anyone with a visual impairment and offers a screen magnifier, screen reader and support for Braille displays Windows 7 has a range of tools to make access easier. These are available by selecting all programmes then accessories followed by accessibility Readit touch (a sophisticated desktop reading machine and magnifier) available on the Knowledge Floor (level 2) Clearview Speech (a table top machine which magnifies and reads aloud) available in the Children's Library Clear Reader + (a portable text reader, similar to Readit touch) is kept in the Children's library and can be used throughout the building Accessible keyboard for people who work better with large keys and bold colours are available in the Children's Library Large trackball mouse (makes controlling the pointer on screen easier) is available in the Children's Library Good selection of audio books and large print books Hearing access Induction loops (for use by people with hearing aids) available at all staffed information desks and in the Studio Theatre Meeting rooms have infra red hearing enhancements systems, for which we can provide a pendant on request in advance

accessibleParkingText

Car parking for blue badge holders - 2 spaces at the rear of the Library on Cambridge Street

Dedicated parking

frontendForm

Toilets features at The Library of Birmingham

Changing Places room on lower ground floor. When the library is closed, there are alternative Changing Places facilities at the Bullring. http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/toilet/view/362

Changing places toilet

Accessible toilet

testing 1

Accessible formats at The Library of Birmingham

Braille

Audio

Accessible services at The Library of Birmingham

Audio Description

Test 3

Assistive listening system - Hearing Loop

Assistive listening system - Infrared

Other features at The Library of Birmingham

Wi-Fi

moreInfoText

For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: enquiries@libraryofbirmingham.com

The Library of Birmingham

aboutSectionText

reviewsSectionText

Disabled Access Information for The Library of Birmingham

disabledAccessText

accessibleParkingText

Toilets features at The Library of Birmingham

Accessible formats at The Library of Birmingham

Accessible services at The Library of Birmingham

Other features at The Library of Birmingham

moreInfoText

contactSectionText

locationSectionText

informationWarningTitle

Browse nearby places

Sign up to our newsletter