Old Library Trust

I’ve been to a few events here although have not used it for one of mine as yet. That may well change though as it is a great space.
It’s roomy enough to hold a large vintage fair, which is the reason I first went to the venue. I lost count of how many stalls but there were at least 30 – 40 and they were tightly packed with a not much room to manœuvre.
I’ve not seen that advertised lately so not sure if it’s coming back but I seen a conference there and I know people have had weddings too.
The only drawback with beautiful old buildings is that they are cold and in this case, the bathrooms aren’t fantastic but that wouldn’t put me off booking this place for an event.

Fellow Digbeth resident, I’ve visited the Old Library quite a few times for events and conferences. It’s a huge place; of course with a name such as, The Old Library– it’s obvious that it’s going to be a pretty big place.
The last conference which I went to, held in the old library was the Digital Birmingham Conference earlier on this year. I have a few issues with the Old Library:
One– I feel it’s not that inviting and it’s a little chilly; especially during the winter period. I can imagine it being freezing when the days are even colder and I wouldn’t want to be in there during those times.
Some of the general amenities such as the toilets are not in great condition; there are bits missing and it could be a little cleaner.
Also the whole building from the outside needs some attention.
Apart from that I do really love the Custard Factory and majority of its buildings but I do think they could give a little TLC to the Old Library.

I’ve been to a couple of weddings here, and my biggest issue with it is that I feel it tries to coast along on it’s reputation and location, and ignores smaller problems which should be fixed.
Example: As it’s also used for live music and a range of other events, it’s a little rough around the edges. You expect that from the Custard Factory, but not from somewhere you’re getting married in. The men’s toilet door had a window in it that had been smashed and then patched up. The women’s had missing floor tiles. The outside has paint flaking off the walls, and not in any kind of ‘chic’ way. At one of the weddings, staff had clearly been instructed to wear plain all black clothes which I have no problem with — but apparently two of them felt that meant they could wear black Converse. The wedding wasn’t remotely a ‘hipster’ wedding, so I felt they stuck out like a scruffy sore thumb.
I’m probably being nit-​picky — friends who’ve been married there were perfectly happy with it as a venue, and that’s the most important thing. But I would not choose it in a million years.