00:00Standing in the heart of Birmingham it's hard to miss the striking exterior of the Library of
00:06Birmingham. Opened in 2013 it replaced the city's previous central library and quickly established
00:13itself as one of the largest public libraries in Europe. Its bold design made up of interlocking
00:19metal rings was designed by the Dutch architectural firm Macu and has since become a modern symbol
00:26of Birmingham's regeneration. The story of libraries in the city stretches back much further. Birmingham
00:33opened its first public library in the 19th century at a time when access to books and education was
00:39expanding across the country. Before this building Birmingham had earlier generations of central
00:44libraries on or near the same civic site. The first Victorian library opened in the 1860s but was
00:51badly damaged by fire in 1879 before being rebuilt and reopened in 1882. That was later replaced by
00:59Birmingham's famous brutalist central library which opened in 1974. It became one of the city's most
01:06recognizable buildings before closing in 2013 and being demolished three years later. That commitment
01:13to learning continues here today with the library offering free access to knowledge for everyone.
01:20Inside the building spans multiple floors and is home to hundreds of thousands of books, archives and
01:26historical collections. Among them is the Shakespeare Memorial Room carefully restored from an earlier
01:33library and dedicated to one of England's most celebrated writers. There's more than just books here.
01:40Visitors can explore exhibition spaces, study areas and even outdoor terraces which offer panoramic views
01:46across the city skyline. It's a space designed not only for learning but for reflection, creativity and community.
01:54Step outside and you arrive at Centenary Square, a space that has undergone significant change over the years.
02:02Once dominated by traffic it's been transformed into a pedestrian friendly square designed to bring
02:08people together. Today it regularly hosts public events, cultural celebrations and large gatherings,
02:14making it one of Birmingham's key civic spaces. The square is also home to several important landmarks
02:21including the Hall of Memory which commemorates those who lost their lives in the First World War.
02:26Alongside it sit modern developments reflecting the city's balance between heritage and renewal.
02:33Getting to Centenary Square is straightforward. The nearby Birmingham New Street station is just a short walk away.
02:39And also the West Midlands Metro now stops directly outside in Centenary Square, making access even easier.
02:46So whether you're interested in history, architecture or just looking for somewhere different to spend time,
02:52the Library of Birmingham and Centenary Square offer a unique window into the city's past, present and future.
02:58Would you like to be part of what you are interested in?
02:59Let's get here.
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