These are the five best places to go in Birmingham for bookworms

Where can you find Shakespeare, science fiction, rare poetry, and contemporary art—all within walking distance of each other? Birmingham, of course.

Whether you’re a hardcore bookworm, an art fan, or just hunting for something different, this city’s got something for you.

So, here are our five recommendations for places to go if you’re into books.

Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham stands tall in the heart of the city, an inviting space for anyone who loves books. The library holds over a million items, from novels that made history to the quiet works of authors whose names you might not know.

There’s also the Shakespeare Memorial Room. It’s dedicated to the great playwright, which contains an array of rare books and manuscripts related to his life and works.

Similarly, the Birmingham Collection is a rich resource for those interested in the city’s literary history. This resource is especially valuable for those who want to understand how Birmingham has shaped the literary landscape.

Right in the middle of the city, it sits near other cultural landmarks, like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Symphony Hall. It’s easy to combine a visit to the library with a stroll through the rest of the city’s cultural offerings!

Voce Books

An independent bookstore in Digbeth, tucked away by the corner of Allison Street, which sells titles that don’t fall under the popular mainstream. Ranging from poetry, to prose and to essays. Voce Book’s stock always contains new surprises; the experience of shopping here is about the joy of discovery and the thrill of encountering new authors, ideas, and genres that don’t often dominate the mainstream shelves. The bookstore serves as a cultural hub, one where the creative community can flourish.

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One of the key aspects of the store’s identity is the strong connection to the local literary scene. It hosts a series of literary events all year round, promoting voices and stories from across the West Midlands. Voices from all corners of the region—often those that might not receive wider attention—are given a stage, fostering interaction and intellectual exchange.

It is also associated with STORIE, a bimonthly night at the neighbouring Kilder Bar that celebrates long and short form prose. The partnership between the bookstore and STORIE further solidifies its commitment to the promotion of local and independent voices, offering a creative space for storytelling that extends beyond the pages of books and into the vibrant local arts scene.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Nestled in the heart of Birmingham, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) stands as one of the city’s most cherished cultural institutions.

Its world class holdings include works from renowned European artists, particularly from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Among the standout artists are figures such as Edward Burne-Jones, a leader of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, whose works are synonymous with vivid colour and intricate detail. In fact, many of the paintings in BMAG’s collections depict scenes from literature—such as the works of Shakespeare or the epic tales from classical mythology.

While the museum’s art collection is certainly its most famous feature, its historical exhibitions provide an equally fascinating and important dimension to its offerings.

One of the most significant collections focuses on Birmingham’s metalworking history, highlighting the city’s role as a leader in metal production, tool making, and engineering. This industrial legacy has led Birmingham to be known as the “City of a Thousand Trades”. Artefacts from the industrial era, including tools, factory machinery, and model designs, tell the story of the city’s transformation into a major manufacturing powerhouse.

Forbidden Planet

On Bull Street, you’ll find this store. With its vast array of books, graphic novels, rare finds, and engaging events, it is a fantastic destination for literature lovers.

Forbidden Planet is known for its great selection of science fiction and fantasy books, which are some of the most exciting and thought-provoking genres in literature, but what sets them apart from many other bookstores is its strong focus on graphic novels and comics. Its graphic novel collection is one of the most extensive in the country, featuring a wide range of genres from superhero comics to indie graphic novels. It is a paradise for fans of pop culture, science fiction, and fantasy fandoms.

If you’re someone who loves showing off your passion for a particular series, author, or comic character, Forbidden Planet provides a wide range of fandom-related items to help you express that. The store also regularly hosts author signings, Q&A sessions, and special events where you can interact directly with writers and discuss their work.

The store is well known for offering exclusive editions, limited prints, and rare items you won’t find elsewhere.

Ikon Shop

Any art fans? This one will stand out because it merges art with literature in a way that feels natural and enriching. Unlike a typical bookstore, the focus here is on books that complement the gallery’s exhibitions and programming, offering a curated selection of works that delve into the world of contemporary art.

Books are carefully chosen to appeal to both art connoisseurs and casual art fans, providing a range of content that suits all levels of knowledge and interest. In addition to its extensive collection of art-related books, the Ikon Art Gallery bookstore offers a variety of literature that complements the themes of visual art.

Many of the books you’ll find here include essays and narratives about the relationship between art and society, as well as works of fiction and poetry that are inspired by visual art. Additionally, the bookstore stocks art-related merchandise, including posters, prints, and stationery, all reflecting the creative spirit of the gallery.