Discovery Season to mark new Library of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham will officially open on Tuesday 3 September. Designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo, the largest public library in Europe is expected to attract over three million visitors a year and many more online.
It will transform the city's library services and become a major cultural destination, housing Birmingham's world-class collections of archives, photography and rare books as well as a million printed volumes, the largest number held by any public library in the UK. Of these, over 400,000 books will be available on the Library's public floors.
Special guest Malala Yousafzai will attend the opening, alongside deputy leader councillor Ian Ward, architect Francine Houben and library director Brian Gambles.
The Library of Birmingham's Discovery Season will see four months of fantastic events throughout the Library, produced by curators Capsule in collaboration with the Library of Birmingham, and supported by Arts Council England.
The Discovery Season programme is inspired by the Library's internationally-important archives and special collections, and draws on content as diverse as one of the world's largest books, Victorian children's games and toys, and even train and bus tickets. The Season will bring to life the Library’s stunning new spaces, from the Studio Theatre to the towering rotunda and the outdoor garden terraces, and will play host to installations, events, performances and workshops for every age and interest. Events encompassing literature, art, film, illustration, food and debate will be enjoyed under one golden roof in the city's newest cultural destination.
The opening day will feature a mass-brass performance and the opening of one of the most important photography exhibitions ever commissioned by the city. September highlights of the Discovery Season include an In Conversation with the new Children's Laureate, Malorie Blackman, and the first concert in the Discover New Music Season featuring British soul singer and writer, Omar.
All events are free unless indicated otherwise, for ticketed events, go to www.libraryofbirmingham.com/discoveryseason, www.birmingham-box.co.uk; tel: 0121 245 4455
