Library of Birmingham: Official opening of £189m building

The new Library of Birmingham - opening next week - is believed to be Europe's largest public library. But despite striking modern architecture, a room from the 19th Century has been recreated inside to house one of the UK's most important Shakespeare collections.

For BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Nicola Stanbridge went to see if cutting edge architecture can inspire bookworms and playwrights alike.

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The new Library of Birmingham opens on 3 September 2013 in Centenary Square, Birmingham.

All images subject to copyright. Photos by Ed Ram and Martin Barber. Audio by Nicola Stanbridge. Listen to her report in full on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Saturday 31 August.

Music by KPM Music. Slideshow production by Paul Kerley.

Related:

Today - BBC Radio 4

Library of Birmingham

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