Solihull Central Library

Solihull Central Library is the flagship library for the borough and is a focal point for a range of information including events, Council services, learning and work, business information, local and family history.

There are over 40 computers available. We have the widest range of books to borrow and refer to including Community Language material, talking books and music scores. You can also hire film, music and special interest DVDs, language courses and music CDs.

Located in the same building Solihull Arts Complex has an exciting programme of shows and events throughout the year. The Café Bar offers a choice of hot and cold snacks to eat in or take away.

Looking for a venue for a meeting - visit our meeting rooms

Opening Hours

Contact details

Solihull Central Library
Homer Road, Solihull
West Midlands, B91 3RG

• General enquiries/Library Reception: 0121 704 6965
• Renewals Line: 0121 704 8400
  If you are unable to get through to us on the above telephone numbers, you can leave a message with your name and telephone number and we will call you back as soon as possible.
• Children's Library: 0121 704 6968
• Information Services: 0121 704 6977
• Heritage and Local Studies: 0121 704 6934
• Mobile & Home Library Services: 0121 704 6947
• Tourist Information/Box Office in the foyer: 0121 704 6130/6962
• Connexions 0121 704 6711 (13-19yrs)
• Connect Walk in Centre - for Council enquiries and bill payment - 0121 704 6000

Email: libraryarts@solihull.gov.uk

 

Travelling to Central Library

The library is situated in the town centre, next to Touchwood shopping centre.

Bus routes: see Centro's website

Parking: The nearest car parks are the Church Hill Pay & Display (free for disabled badge holders) or Touchwood underground car park. Disabled drivers should park in the Orange Zone of Touchwood underground car park

Railway: Solihull station is about 10 min walk away

Accessibility

 You can view an access guide for Solihull Central Library at DisabledGo.

Access for wheelchair users, adapted toilet, hearing loop, Braille books, low vision resources, large print, taped books, lifts. A computer adapted for wheelchair users is available to use. A large keyboard, trackable mouse and speech recognition software is also available.

For more information about accessibility please read our Library Facilities Disability Guide page.

For events at Solihull Central Library please see the Events in Libraries section.

Computer facilities (Internet, including email and access to Microsoft Office packages; scanner also available). Free for library members for one hour each day - extra time can be purchased. Non-members can pay for guest access. Please note computer access is only available until 15 minutes before the library closes.

• Heritage & Local Studies area including the Heritage Gallery
• Photocopying and Fax facilities
• Sight Loss Resource Centre
• Family Learning - resources and events

Children and Young People's Library

• Fiction for all ages - from board books and picture books to Manga and Graphic Novels
• Information books for hobbies and school projects including a Homework collection
• IT facilities for children and young people
• Story and Rhyme sessions for under 5's
• The Summer Reading Challenge and holiday activities
• Family Matters collection for parents and carers
• Ready, Steady, Read collection to help encourage new readers
• Teenage collection
• Spoken word collection
• Children's DVD and Video collection
  

Careers Advice - for adults and teenagers

• Connexions 13-19yr olds
• National Careers Service - adults
• Skills for Life - advice and short courses

Audio Visual Library

• Language Courses in compact MP3 format (from Playaway)
• Music Scores and Books
• Talking Books - we now stock a new lightweight, compact and very easy to use - simply plug in earphones and press play. See Attachments for a list of our new titles available. For more information contact Doreen Lane at Central Library on
  0121 704 6977 or ask a member of library member. Also available at Shirley Library.

Language Courses now available in compact MP3 format

Learning a foreign language is a challenging experience, and can be time consuming. For those who cannot afford the time or money to take formal language classes or buy expensive language tapes themselves, Solihull Central Library can now offer a selection of Playaway MP3 audio language systems. These MP3 language systems are compact and lightweight enough to fit into a pocket, plus you can even plug the system into a car or home audio unit making it truly flexible.

Devised by nationally recognised supplier Pimsleur; the courses are being launched at Central Library following the success of the Playaway audio books collection launched in Solihull in 2008.

The courses available are:
French,  German,  Spanish,  Italian,  Russian,  Greek,  Polish,  Hindi, 
Arabic-Egyptian Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin),  Japanese
and Thai.

For more information about these language tapes contact Central Library on 0121 704 6965

Weekly Escapes Collection

An exciting range of best selling titles that can be loaned for one week and cannot be renewed or reserved, so readers will have a greater chance of getting their hands on the latest bestsellers. Visit the Weekly Escapes page to see the latest titles added to the collection.

 

Books for Your Ears - Listeners' Circle

Listener's Circle - As the name implies the group meets on a regular basis to choose, review and share their thoughts on books on cassette. The group also passes on any recommendations or comments about anything they have listened to recently, so act as book reviewers for other group members.

Contact Doreen Lane - Senior Library Assistant
on 0121 704 6977 for details.