Solihull Central Library

Every town has a library and Solihull Central Library is the flagship for the borough. Over the years the library has expanded in a variety of ways; they even have a theatre! They have information on events (mostly local), council services, education and work, business information and various local and family history.
Unlike many other libraries that are local to Solihull, here they have a large amount of computers and a host of books on different subjects. There is pretty much a book for any subject and if there isn’t then it’s pretty easy to find out where to get the information you want. You can also rent DVDs and CDs.
Librarians can be a bit boring and come across negatively and here some of them are no different. However, some of them are very friendly. They are all very helpful though and knowledgeable on everything within the building.
I’ve been to the library theatre a few times and have really enjoyed the shows put on here. Before a show, or in general, I like to go to their café where they have some hot and cold snacks. The food can be eaten in or taken away. As the library is in a courtyard you can also enjoy the lovely water feature outside. This is definitely one of the best libraries I’ve been to in Birmingham.

Solihull Library is modern, spacious, bright, light and a provides a lovely space to read or ponder in. With most of the usual library trappings (you know books, CDs, DVDs, internet) and some extras thrown in. Their local and family history department deserves special merit. They have an excellent children’s library. Upstairs is also a public gallery with collections changing on a regular basis.
Sadly, Solihull Library isn’t what it used to be. They still have a fairly good stock of books and some CDs but the music library isn’t what it used to be. There are plenty of DVDs but often they are just the modern rom-​coms and nothing much else of note. Finding a member of staff to help you might be your biggest problem. If you are happy to stumble along without any assistance and use a self serve machine to issue and return your own books then this is probably the library for you.

Solihull Central Library has really transformed itself since the opening of Touchwood. The Library used to have a dark and gloomy entrance, but it has now become welcoming and inviting.
The library has an enormous range of books, and a lovely children’s area. It also has a café serving a huge choice of snacks, and a branch of Solihull Council called Solihull Connect where residents of Solihull can go for information on lots of different topics.
The Arts Theatre is still at the Library, showing many different performances, which appeal to many.
Outside of the Library is a lovely seating area and waterfall.

I visit this library often with my book loving husband. They have a large range of books and they staff are friendly and welcoming. There is also a café to sit and enjoy some hot food or drinks. I visit the library theatre a few times each year for shows like the Solid 60’s shows and live music acts from the 60’s. I am on the mailing list and as I am in the library almost every week I usually see when there are new shows coming on sale. You can order tickets over the phone or in person from the tourist information office on the left as you enter the library. The library theatre is a great venue with very comfortable seating and the prices are reasonable

The largest of the Solihull libraries with well trained helpful staff who are always willing to help out whenever they can. This library is over two floors and has a learn direct upstairs, a theatre which has a range of productions on throughout the year, a studio room, a café, Solihull Connect, Tourist Information as well as a massive collection of books, a childrens library and also does dvd and cd rental at £2 and 50p a week. Can not fault the library or the employees in any way, a wonderful place that I have enjoyed visiting since childhood.

My children enjoy going to this library as there are a huge selection of books and the staff are very friendly. During the school holidays they have events, I took my children to the jewllery making classes which they both enjoyed. These classes get full quickly so need to be booked in advance.