Borrow Books, Work In Silence, And Use The Wi-Fi For FREE At The Best Libraries In Birmingham

Where else can you browse the internet, read any book and sit for hours without bother for free than at the best libraries in Birmingham?

Charlie Case • February 24, 2025

Library of Birmingham, England — Credit: Shutterstock

For thousands of years, libraries have gathered all the world’s knowledge under one roof. But, in the 21st century, you could argue they’ve become outdated. Now that we all carry computers around in our pockets, who needs books anymore? But, again and again, we have kept turning up to the library. Having adapted to the modern age, they’re everything from an education centre to a community hub, and even a lifeline, to many. That’s why you need to know where the best libraries in Birmingham are – all of which, may I remind you, are free to use with a library card!

How do I get a library card in Birmingham?

It is free to become a member of all Birmingham libraries and can be done in person at any library, while The Library of Birmingham even has self-service information points where you can quickly and easily become a library member. You will just need to provide proof of your name and address. You can also apply online here.

You don’t even need to live in Birmingham to join and, once registered, you can borrow books and music recordings straight away from all public libraries. You can also sign up to borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, which you can then download to your computer or phone. But where should you use your library card?

The best libraries in Birmingham:

1. The Library of Birmingham

A tram in front of the Library of Birmingham — Credit: Clare Louise Jackson, Shutterstock

Services: Books, Printing, Free Wi-Fi, Business Support

Open: Monday and Tuesday (9am to 9pm), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (11am to 5pm)

You’ll find almost 40 libraries in Birmingham, but only one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Forget about the Second City for a second, The Library of Birmingham is one of the biggest and best in Europe. Inside, you’ll discover 10 levels filled with everything from literary classics to community resources, newspapers dating back to the mid-18th century, specialist music recordings, and a huge photographic collection from the earliest days of photography.

Laid end-to-end, it’s believed the book collection would stretch from Birmingham to Edinburgh, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what’s available at The Library of Birmingham. You’ll also find facilities that include a gallery space, studio theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre and the not-so-secret garden on the roof. The Library of Birmingham receives around 2 million visits a year and is a blueprint for all great modern libraries.

No other libraries will come close to The Library of Birmingham on this list, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t serve the community greatly. Most offer book lending, free wi-fi, and a quiet place to study and work without distraction. You’ll also have everything from computer access to community events at many others. But, we’ve listed many of the best libraries in Birmingham where you can get to work for free – and all you need is your library card!

Library Of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2ND

2. Erdington Library

Services: Books, Printing, Free Wi-Fi, Computers, Photocopiers, Scanning

Open: Tuesday (9am to 5pm), Thursday (10am to 6pm), Friday and Saturday (9am to 5pm)

Erdington Library, Orphanage Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B24 9HP