As part of Birmingham Heritage Week 2025, Stirchley Library hosted a special exhibition celebrating the city’s Carnegie libraries.
The display explored the history, architecture, and community role of Birmingham’s Carnegie buildings, which were funded in the early 20th century by Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Through research, photographs, and interpretation boards, visitors could learn about the enduring features of these much-loved libraries – from their light-filled reading rooms and junior sections to their distinctive architectural details.
Highlights included the story of Northfield Library, rebuilt after an arson attack in 1914, and boards focusing on how design choices – skylights, windows, and even the placement of librarian desks – shaped the experience of library users.
The exhibition also featured a local connection: Stirchley’s own Carnegie library, opened in 1905, which continues to welcome the community nearly 120 years later.
We were delighted to welcome so many visitors during Birmingham Heritage Week, and we hope the exhibition gave people a chance to reflect on the importance of free public libraries – past, present, and future.
The interpretation boards are included below, and can be seen in the library for a couple more weeks.
