Opened in 1905, Stirchley Library is one of Birmingham’s ten Carnegie libraries, built with funding from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to bring books and learning into local communities. Designed by architect John P. Osborne, the library is a fine example of Edwardian civic architecture, with its red brick, stone dressings, and distinctive gabled frontage.
Inside, the library once featured a traditional entrance desk where librarians presided, while light filtered through skylights and tall windows to illuminate the reading rooms. Over time, spaces have been adapted – but the heart of the building has remained the same: a place for reading, learning, and gathering.
Interior of Stirchley Library (now the children’s library). Photographed by Lewis Lloyd in 1913. Held by Birmingham Archive.
Stirchley Library has stood at the centre of the neighbourhood for over a century, and today it continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of its users and volunteers. Through exhibitions, workshops, and community events, it is not just a library, but a hub of creativity and connection.
