Carillion Operations Director Simon Dingle, Terry Perkins, Birmingham City Council Leader Sir Albert Bore and Brian Gambles (left to right). Credit: Four Colman Getty
Members of Library of Birmingham staff, council representatives and Carillion employees gathered in the dramatic rotunda which will house the five-storey book wall.
The rotunda, at the very heart of the library, features a series of cantilevered circular balconies each providing access to a different part of the shelves that comprise the book wall.
Escalators zigzag across the space, providing stunning views throughout the library and access for all to over 400,000 books, more than double the amount currently on show at Central Library.
The Hobbit: First book on Library of Birmingham shelves
Sir Albert Bore places The Hobbit on the shelves of the Library of Birmingham. Credit: Four Colman Getty.
The Hobbit has become the first book to be placed on the shelves of the Library of Birmingham.
The book, J.R.R. Tolkien’s much-loved 1937 children’s fantasy tale, was placed on the shelf by Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, to mark the imminent handover of the building by Carillion, the Library of Birmingham’s construction partner, to Birmingham City Council.
Boat racing Credit: John Stillwell/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Anaconda paddlers will be taking part in this year's Chinese New Year celebrations in Nottingham.
Dragon boats are a traditional part of Chinese culture and date back to the 2nd Century. A poet, Qu Yuan, killed himself, by throwing himself into the Miluo River after being banished from court.
Villagers failed to save him, but to keep fish and evil spirits from his body they banged drums and beat the water with paddles.
Leicester's Caribbean Carnival is well and truly underway
by ITV Central
The annual Caribbean Carnival left Victoria Park just after 1pm this afternoon and is making its way down London Road into the city centre.
Leicester Caribbean Carnival is now in its 27th year, featuring a renowned procession in which people young and old dress up in costumes.
Carnival moving through Leicester Credit: ITV CentralVibrant costumes entertain revellers Credit: ITV CentralDancers take part in carnival Credit: ITV CentralCarnival goers enjoying the event in Leicester Credit: ITV CentralBright colours filling the streets of Leicester Credit: ITV Central
