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.<\/p>\n
Read the response of other writers here<\/a>. Thanks to Birmingham-native BlackSatinDancer for the tip.<\/p>\n For more information, read Robert Booth’s article<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 … Continue reading