The first Central Lending Library was opened in Birmingham in 1865, with the Reference Library opened in 1866. However a fire destroyed much of the building and its contents in January 1879. In 1882 a new building was opened on the same site in Ratcliff Place, opposite the Town Hall. In 1974 this building was demolished, to be replaced by the third Central Lending Library. The surrounding area was redeveloped, and Ratcliff Place replaced by Queensway.
This is part of the Series: RBO01/44 Early Photographic Print Collection: West Midlands; within the Collection: RBO01 Early Photographic Print Collection
© Historic England Archive
Photographer: Smith, Sivitar
Victorian Public Library, Victorian Lending Library, Victorian Reference Library
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