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New Birmingham library plans

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Astoness said:
i agree eric...looks ok inside but only time will tell if the lifts and escalators are maintained better than they were in the old library and the flat roof does not leak and we can only hope that the metal work does not start to rust in five years time...only my opinion again but i cant see why no one thought of designing the facade more in keeping with baskerville house and hall of memory and the inside opening up as it does with a much more modern approach so that the old meets the new..it will be very interesting to get our members feedback after they have visited the library..

lyn
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just quoting my post of a week ago of things i really hoped and did not expect would not happen so soon in a building that has cost so much...just got back from cornwall only to find out that the lifts and escalators have already started to break down...not a very good start is it....we can only hope that this will not be a regular accurance...

lyn
 
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just to remind you all NOT to go up on speck to search certain archives material..appointments must be made...just emailed them to make one for the week after next...

lyn
Wolfson Centre for Archival Research
Advance bookings for access to items from the archive, heritage and photography collections is essential and we are taking bookings now, with appointments available from Monday 9 September. Please e-mail archives.appointments@birmingham.gov.uk to book a session, giving details of when you would like to visit, the items you wish to consult and your preferred contact details.
 
Was a really long queue today, and what with it being 4 Squares Weekend, I haven't yet been inside. Will wait for it to be quieter!

Centenary Square was much busier than usual!
 
I think maybe when it first opens in the morning will be best. Not in the middle of the afternoon (and during 4 Squares Weekender!)
 
My friend and I visited the new library today and it is wonderful. Its very spacious and has lots of interesting items. The volunteers are really helpful and give you lots of information and nothing is too much trouble for them. I personally love the look of the building and to go onto one of the balcony and look out over Birmingham is stunning. Give it a visit and maybe the comments will be more positive, its lovely.
 
thanks for the pics ell as its got me thinking...i wonder if those of us with pre booked appointments for the archives section will have to queue to get into the library as ive emailed the appointments dept for one for this thurs or friday for the 10 oclock morning slot...if so i wont be going for a long time yet...mind you with having no library for a year i cant see me getting an appointment so soon after opening so its fingers crossed

lyn
 
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Astoness said:
thanks for the pics ell as its got me thinking...i wonder if those of us with pre booked appointments for the archives section will have to queue to get into the library as ive emailed the appointments dept for one for this thurs or friday for the 10 oclock morning slot...if so i wont be going for a long time yet...mind you with having no library for a year i cant see me getting an appointment so soon after opening so its fingers crossed

lyn
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To be honest this was a Saturday with events going on in all the main squares, when we arrived at about 1.30 the queue was acceptable but we decided to have a look at the events first, big mistake because on our return the queue had snaked back to Baskerville House so didn't bother. I don't think you should have any major problems on your visit at that time in the day:biggrin:. On saying this they can only let so many into the building and let others in when others exit so even if appointments are booked i should imagine if it's full you would still have to queue but at that early in the morning you should be OK.
 
Hi

What a success Many of us will have to eat our words. Well done Brum.
We will have to be Members and form a Society known as the 4 Squares.

Mike Jenks
 
mike jenks said:
Hi

What a success Many of us will have to eat our words. Well done Brum.
We will have to be Members and form a Society known as the 4 Squares.

Mike Jenks
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I thought it looked stunning and that seemed to be the impression formed by others i met in the vicinity:biggrin:
 
Why should anyone who doesn't like it have to eat their words,if that's what turns you on,then that's fine by me...I still rate it as just plain ugly and out of synch' and doesn't enhance the area one bit,but it wouldn't do for us to be all the same,would it.
 
derekw said:
why should anyone who doesn't like it have to eat their words,if that's what turns you on,then that's fine by me...i still rate it as just plain ugly and out of synch' and doesn't enhance the area one bit,but it wouldn't do for us to be all the same,would it.
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i agree
 
What a shame. The interior looks lovely but since I suffer from vertigo I think it is no go for me. Having to make an appointment settles it. I am so pleased I did the bulk of my research in the good old days when public records were accessible to the public. I feel positively nostaligic for those big tables were you could go and read a book I personally selected from the open access shelves.
 
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bham said:
What a shame. The interior looks lovely but since I suffer from vertigo I think it is no go for me. Having to make an appointment settles it. I am so pleased I did the bulk of my research in the good old days when public records were accessible to the public. I feel positively nostaligic for those big tables were you could go and read a book I personally selected from the open access shelves.
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totally agree with you bham...i will never change my mind about the design or the location of the library....all i want is to go there and continue my research hassle free...

must just point out that as far as i know its only certain records in the archives dept that you will need to make an appointment for now and you will need to apply for a CARN card...ie searching school records and looking for old photos which is what i mainly do will be by appointment only...things like e roll look ups..kellys directories..marriage records..maps etc will need no appointment (but i would advise a phone call to confirm that)

gone are the days when we could just visit the library on speck and i am just hoping that we dont have to wait weeks for them to slot us in for the archives dept...will let you know if i get the appointment i have asked for and i have been fair and given them a 2 day window..
lyn
 
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Astoness as far as i know its only certain records in the archives dept that you will need to make an appointment for now and you will need to apply for a CARN card...ie searching school records and looking for old photos .......

Astoness said:
totally agree with you bham...i will never change my mind about the design or the location of the library....all i want is to go there and continue my research hassle free...

must just point out that as far as i know its only certain records in the archives dept that you will need to make an appointment for now and you will need to apply for a CARN card...ie searching school records and looking for old photos which is what i mainly do will be by appointment only...things like e roll look ups..kellys directories..marriage records..maps etc will need no appointment (but i would advise a phone call to confirm that)

gone are the days when we could just visit the library on speck and i am just hoping that we dont have to wait weeks for them to slot us in for the archives dept...will let you know if i get the appointment i have asked for and i have been fair and given them a 2 day window..
lyn
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At least I have my Carn card. It is very handy for nipping into archives whilst we are on our travels. Needless to say I always visit on speck and never make an appointment. The bulk of my research is pre 1837 and in 1810 no one seems to have lived in Birmingham.

For Birmingham I need to confirm dates of death, burials and get round to the workhouse and asylum for the infant poor records. The workhouse records were always up the windy staircase anyway so I guess they will be appointment only. I remember the workhouse register to be very large and very dirty. At the moment I am available in the afternoon of October 2nd so I probably am not flexible enough.

The upper floor of the library at Leeds Uni can set my vertigo off so Birmingham might be a no go area for me anyway. I shall have to try work arounds first.
 
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Astoness; so sorry. I seem to have messed up quote protocol on my reply to you. My only excuse is I am stupid. Sorry
 
I agree with derekw and Happyguy, I still think its ugly and completely out of place with its surroundings but it would not do for all of us to have same tastes like it as already been said. The council has already bulldozed so many beautiful buildings and replaced them with glass and concrete boxes including the original library, Snow Hill station, the old Market hall to name but a few. Eric
 
I would assume that once 4 Squares Weekender ends today, that the queues wont be as long. Although might be best to wait a few weeks!
Get there before 10am if possible.
 
derekw said:
Why should anyone who doesn't like it have to eat their words,if that's what turns you on,then that's fine by me...I still rate it as just plain ugly and out of synch' and doesn't enhance the area one bit,but it wouldn't do for us to be all the same,would it.
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I don't think Mike meant his comment the way it seems to have been taken. Can we keep this discussion polite some like it other don't can we not all agree to disagree.

On a personal note (not as Admin) the constant repeating of statements already made (Pro and Con) so many time before I find a tad wearisome. Sorry but that is how I feel.
 
Bham - I feel the same as you. I hate heights and the thought of looking over the edge of those floors fills me with dread, as does the travelator going through the middle of the floors. I am going to visit the library when things have quietened down, and just hope that I will be able to get up to the Research Floor - is this on Floor 4? No way could I use the glass lift, so I hope the stairs will be an option.
 
[QUOTE=Jayell. I hate heights and the thought of looking over the edge of those floors fills me with dread,

Hi All,

I have not been to the new library and, sadly, I doubt if I ever will. However has anything been done to deter anyone suicidal jumping over the balconies. I know that I am being alarmist but two or three people have ended their lives by jumping over the balconies in the Bull Ring.

Old Boy
 
Yesterday during 4 Squares Weekender



Reference Works with pics of the old demolished (Victorian) Central Library!

 
hi bham thanks for mentioning the workhouse records...thats another thing i need to research at some point

cheers

lyn
 
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