Library of Birmingham (UK) plans unveiled as recession opens a new chapter for civic buildings

"Plans for Britain's biggest ever public library were unveiled in Birmingham yesterday in the clearest sign yet of a national renaissance in the construction of grand civic libraries. The GBP193m Library of Birmingham will tower over Centenary Square in the heart of the city with capacity to accommodate more than three million visitors a year, according to the city council, which is backing the project with GBP159m in public funds. Only the British Library, which operates by appointment only and does not lend, will be larger. The investment in the 31,000 sq m glass and steel facility, designed by avant-garde Dutch architects Mecanoo, comes as libraries report a 10-15% increase in visitor numbers since the economic downturn began to bite last summer." - Guardian