Balsall Heath Library, Grade II* listed public library in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, England.
Description
Balsall Heath Library is an Edwardian building of red brick and terracotta situated on Moseley Road, displaying traditional architectural features typical of late Victorian municipal construction. Inside, the building houses book collections for all ages, computer workstations, and spaces for rotating exhibitions.
History
The architect Jethro Anstice Cossins designed this building in 1895 as part of a comprehensive civic improvement project in the newly incorporated Balsall Heath district. The project was part of a broader effort to enhance public infrastructure in expanding Birmingham.
Culture
The library serves as a gathering place for the community, with sections for children's books and adult collections alongside rotating exhibitions featuring local art and interests. It functions as a space where people come together to learn, connect, and participate in neighborhood life.
Practical
The building is accessible throughout the week, with some days offering extended hours into the early evening, making it easy to visit after work or other activities. The facility includes computer workstations and various support services that visitors can ask about or access during their visit.
Did you know?
The building originally formed part of a rare architectural ensemble together with the adjacent municipal swimming baths, creating an integrated approach to public services in one location. This connected concept of combining two civic facilities side by side was notable for its time and reflects a holistic approach to urban improvement.
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