Birmingham Library: Moving house
Alan Clawley writes on the problems of moving home – when related to libraries shifting location.
Cutbacks to Birmingham Central Library opening hours
Birmingham Central Library is to end its decades-long tradition of evening opening by introducing a 6pm weekday closing time, possibly as early as December.
Review: Lost Railway Journeys
Andy Goff enjoys a trip down memory track.
Town Hall & Symphony Hall listings
Comedy and family fun are on offer in the venues’ latest promotions.
Past to Present
Dave Woodhall reviews some recently published photographic histories.
Frank Skinner gives away his “life-changing” book for Bowel Cancer UK’s Big Book Swap
Funny man Frank Skinner has donated his copy of a “life-changing” book to Bowel Cancer UK in an appeal for people to take part in a Big Book Swap this month.
Birmingham Central Library now listed
The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has included Birmingham Central Library in its 2012 Watch List
Kindle: We’re All Suckers Now
Richard Lutz asks if the Kindle e-book is the best thing since sliced bread or just a slick nasty marketing tool.
What’s on at The Public
What’s on at The Public in West Brom. for Friday 7 October to Friday 21 October 2011
Birmingham Central Library – An open letter to Labour
Alan Clawley, in his capacity as secretary of the Friends of the Central Library has written to Birmingham’s Labour leader Sir Albert Bore
Rings of Aluminium
“But it is just possible that what impresses the public about the new library is simply that it is very expensive”, reckons Alan Clawley
Pogus Caesar’s new book on street photography
Birmingham based photographer and film maker Pogus Caesar launches a new book during The Birmingham Book Festival, in October.
Exclusive: Ashley Blake on life behind bars
Ros Dodd interviewed Ashley Blake shortly after his release from prison in 2010
Jail sentence “deeply unfair,” says ex-BBC man Ashley Blake
Former BBC television presenter Ashley Blake has spoken of his “deep sense of unfairness” at being handed a two-year jail sentence for “accidentally” wounding a teenager
The Birmingham Council myth machine
Here’s how the Council operates. First it decides what it wants to do. Then it fits the facts around its decision.
Book Reviews
Recent titles covering local history and the supernatural are reviewed by Dave Woodhall.
Enterprise Zone no help
The idea of giving business a helping hand to redevelop Paradise Circus by making it part of an ‘Enterprise Zone’ seems to have fallen flat, writes Alan Clawley
Bodies in the Library: time’s ticking
“…all the more reason to take the chance and have a wander round Architect John Madin’s radical design.”
Appreciating architecture
“…a cultural divide exists between the arts and business communities in Birmingham over the appreciation of modern architecture”
Why I’ll never own a Kindle
I’ve never even seen a Kindle or other e-book reader let alone sniffed one. I suspect that they all smell the same.
One of Birmingham’s best kept secrets
One of Birmingham’s best-kept secrets is what goes on inside the suite of buildings in Paradise Circus, off Chamberlain Square
Paradise postponed?
Alan Clawley has been asking searching questions and receiving some confusing answers on the redevelopment of Birmingham’s Paradise Forum.
Writing on the Wall
We’re always happy to promote new ideas, particularly when they’re as impressive as this one.
Book Review – Go Down to the Beaten – Tales of the Grand National
Birmingham-born author, freelance horseracing journalist and historian Chris Pitt has a new book out. Steve Beauchampé reviews it.
The Future of Birmingham’s Past
The Science Museum has just opened its ‘newest’ exhibit – a re-creation of James Watt’s Soho workshop with all its contents as found in 1924. Sadly it isn’t in Birmingham’
Alys heads for Hexham
The sixth Hexham Book Festival – which is starting to rival Hay – takes place this year from 28 April to 12 May.
Library of Birmingham – update
While building work continues on the Library of Birmingham, the city council have revealed plans for reducing inconvenience to service users during the move to new premises.
Birmingham library
Birmingham’s new library – a CG video has been released.