From where to buy books and the best reading spots, to works inspired by the region, this is everything you need to know about Birmingham’s literary scene.

Library of Birmingham

The centre of literary life in Birmingham, its unique architecture not only makes it a tourist draw, but its array of books could mark the distance from Birmingham to Edinburgh - a haven for bookworms! It includes internationally renowned archives, such as the BFI Mediatheque of British Film and the Boulton and Watt Archive dedicated to the Industrial Revolution, historical newspaper collections and photography hailing back to its earliest days. 

The top floor is home to the wood-panelled Shakespeare Memorial Room which houses Britain’s most important collection of Shakespearian works, including rare books and plays. There are also rooftop terrace gardens with bird boxes and sculptures, ideal for a peaceful read in the sunshine (for more information see Birmingham’s Best Picnic Spots).

Birmingham Literature Festival

The annual festival (3rd-13th October 2019) celebrates global writers, speakers, activists and artists in a programme inspired by literature. 

Creative writing and reading are at the forefront of tackling common perceptions of important issues such as climate change, politics, crime, LGBTQ+ culture, feminism and mental health. 

Events taking place across the city and surrounding areas include poetry recitals, writing workshops, panel discussions, topical lectures, book launches, fan fiction readings and historical walking tours.

Independent bookshops

Besides the main bookstores of Waterstones on High Street, Foyles in Grand Central Station and The Works on New Street, there are a number of niche bookshops which cater to specialist topics.

Head to Forbidden Planet on Bull Street to satisfy all your science fiction and cult entertainment needs. Much more than just a comic bookstore, delve into your favourite fantasy worlds with replica props, Pop! Vinyl figures, apparel, homeware, board games and collectible cards.

For art buffs, the Ikon Shop on Oozells Street is the only dedicated art bookstore in the city, specialising in books devoted to works and artists old and new. You can also browse their collections of artists’ multiples, cards and gifts including jewellery and homeware. 

Don’t forget you can support local charities, which often have very good selections of second-hand books, from classics to modern chart titles, at a fraction of the cost. Head to the British Heart Foundation on Bull Street or the extensive collections at Oxfam Bookshop in nearby Harbourne.

Reading hotspots

The best cafes for reading as recommended by Birmingham Girls:

• Second Cup Coffee Company – well known to the Birmingham Girls who attend our monthly coffee meetups, this small cafe is perfect for a quiet read. They even have armchairs with a faux fireplace - could it be any more cosy?!

• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Edwardian Tearoom –  the renovated tearoom is perfect for sitting in one of the inviting armchairs and enjoying a selection of brunches, afternoon teas or hot beverages.

• Boston Tea Party – settle into a red corner booth with one of their loose leaf teas (Dragon Well Tea anyone?).

• Waterstones Cafe – After browsing the selections instore, why not read your new book with a nice cuppa in the quieter surroundings of the cafe.

• Yorks Cafe and Coffee Roasters – it may be small, but you’ll be sure to find a little nook to sit in, almost hidden away from other patrons.

Birmingham in literature

J.R.R. Tolkien is considered one of the most notable writers from Birmingham, with many local features inspiring elements of Lord of the Rings. 

You can traverse Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail, which follows the history of the legendary writer, beginning with his formative years in Sarehole (foundation for “The Shire”).

Moseley Bog is believed to have inspired the primeval woodland of “Old Forest”, the gothic Perrott’s Folly and Victorian Edgbaston Waterworks towers as the “Two Towers of Gondor”, and the University of Birmingham Chamberlain Tower (“Old Joe”) as the “Eye of Sauron”.

Other novels inspired by the region include Changing Places: A Tale of Two Campuses by David Lodge, in which he uses the University of Birmingham as a backdrop to satirical life in academia. War-time novel Chocolate Girls by Ann Murray was first inspired by the delicious scents emanating from Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory in Bournville and Charlie Hill’s murder mystery Books sees a bookstore owner and University of Birmingham neurologist preventing a global catastrophe.

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Share your literary enthusiasm with fellow Birmingham Girls by joining our monthly Book Club meetings. Keep an eye on the group’s feed to vote for that month’s read and the events page for upcoming meetings.

Written by Hannah Bird

Follow Hannah on Instagram: @thehbir