Library Of Birmingham: The Next Chapter . . .

OK, I feel like Birmingham has changed so much since I began studying at University College Birmingham in September 2010. No more does Centenary Square look like a huge site of construction for a new state of the art Library of Birmingham stands to write a whole new chapter for Birmingham. I'm an occasional bookworm so I knew I would make several visits to the library upon its opening in September 2013. What's the next chapter going to hold for Birmingham?

I've been meaning to publish a blog like this for a while but the weather has been rather dreadful in Birmingham and the rest of West Midlands so I with a pleasant day yesterday I mad my move! Captured to the left is the new Library of Birmingham shining in all of its glory in the afternoon sun on a chilly February afternoon. I still think that this landmark looks fabulous five months since it was opened in September 2013. Critically speaking I do believe that the new Library of Birmingham has created a storm of interest and media attention that's attracted visitors from far and wide to view this new Birmingham landmark as a tourist attraction rather than a library. I think it's a controversial point but if people love it then Birmingham is benefiting from a boost of visitors seeing this striking new library that has transformed the make-up of Centenary Square, all is good in Brum! Opened by female activist Malala Yousafzai, she proclaimed; "A city without books in a city without a library is like a graveyard". So with Malala's words spoken Birmingham had its new lease of life to bring in a new era!

Not forgetting Birmingham's Central Library that now stands with a question mark for its future after the new library took its place, what's the next step? I actually love the Paradise Forum complex as it retains Birmingham's unique 1970's architecture that features a lot within Birmingham's city center. It's unclear what the future of the complex will be that now features a Nandos Restaurant and a J.D Wetherspoon Pub amongst other public amenities. Can a library without books act as a viable part of Birmingham's future development? The Birmingham I once knew in my fresher year has changed a lot, but I would say with the new Birmingham is looking just fine! Whatever happens to the original library of Birmingham I do hope that the next phase keeps the integrity of its current beginnings for its great to move forward with the modern times but its never good to forget what once was! Paradise Forum watch this space! 

Books, books and more books! Birmingham's new library is just remarkable, there's so much to see on the many floors, there's more than just one reason to visit. I joined the Library of Birmingham during the first week that it opened, making my contribution to this new addition to Birmingham. The circular design with the impressive bookcases that are filled with unknown books really impresses me much! I'm currently reading North Korea: Undercover, a investigative analysis of modern day North Korea that looks under the surface of the world's most secretive countries. I'm not going to go into the facts of this read for the DPRK holds some tightly guarded secrets that their welcome to keep. Aside from my current read I have to say that the Library of Birmingham hosts much more than just the expected titles for I saw many visuals aids that definitely diversified my visitor experience. I suppose in this modern age there's more to life than just books? If I needed to study I would choose to book a study room for I like my quiet as the popularity of this new library has created something of a frenzy!

Birmingham's newest library hosts an area that I just love! The Library of Cultures puts everything into perspective for the ArtPop style displays of the famous playwright William Shakespeare really caught my eye! Amongst the paintings and exhibit I also love the videos that are projected onto the walls, depicting past events in Birmingham if I'm not mistaken. Need I be so careless not to mention that the Repetory Theatre has been overhauled as part of the joint development of the new Library of Birmingham. I had the opportunity to attend a promotional event at the REP Theatre that was hosted by Visit Berlin and OutNow Consulting. Birmingham receives its share of unfair negative press but I know that this city is world-class! Those haters can move on for Birmingham is a first grade city that deserves more respect for its triumphs!

Reinvention is the ultimate key! Captured to the left is the view from the Secret Garden, a panoramic view of Birmingham's progressive skyline for its a view to be proud of! I seriously got lucky with the weather for the intervals of rain had passed for the time I was taking my snaps of the vista from the Library of Birmingham. I saw as far as the Rotunda so I was happy with that view. Many say that Birmingham doesn't tick all the boxes to be a credible city compared to London, for Birmingham is fabulously unique with a lot to offer and enjoy for the local Brummies and international visitors alike. I believe that the new Library of Birmingham is a catalyst for change to bring a brighter image for this city and to act as something to be very proud of. I know all my chat is very complimentary but I'm just stating my honest opinion about this subject, I can be judgmental believe me but that emotion would be a waste of time right now!

So, the next chapter of Birmingham's new library has almost been completed, for the books thast stand present on the shelves will be enjoyed for a long while yet and the face of Birmingham's Westside has been transformed to a new level. The future of Birmingham's Centenary Square is looking very positive for there are plans that will bring the next phase of the Midland Metro to the front door of Birmingham's new library! I would have to say that Birmingham's new library is more than just an ordinary place for books for its become a whole new talking point that's hopefully reinvigorated Birmingham's pulling power as a reputable and attractive tourist destination?! At the end of things I'm just a travel blogger that always tries my best to report real and honest experiences from wherever I happen to be! Birmingham keep on loving this library! 

Welcome to The Library of Birmingham! Joseph Harrison