Responding to news of plans to build the UK’s largest ever lending library in Birmingham, Philip Pullman was quoted, “At a time when more and more libraries are under threat, it is very heartening to hear of one that is planning to expand… And of course I am glad to hear that it will feature up-to-date information technology, but I trust that books and all that they represent will always be at the heart of the Library of Birmingham.” Constructed with a budget of £193m, the Library of Birmingham will be able to accommodate more than three million users per year. Designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo, the library will open at Centenary Square in 2013.

Read the response of other writers here. Thanks to Birmingham-native BlackSatinDancer for the tip.

For more information, read Robert Booth’s article on the renaissance of civic buildings in the wake of the recession. Following years of decline, library have recently reported a 10-15% increase in visitors eager to save money, learn new skills, and discover job opportunities since last summer.