Two months before the Library of Birmingham opens its doors to the public, I had the honour of sneaking inside for a preview of this brilliant £188.8 million building that stands bold in its bling on Broad Street.

To be honest, I had about 188.8 million thoughts that day as hard-hatted men dodged lost-looking librarians while I smelt the paint and newness and industry as I stood and saw my home city in ways I had never done before.

But I have had to contain myself and after careful thought have decided to focus, for now, on just four different aspects of this amazing palace-playground that is waiting for you to step inside:

• The Library of Birmingham: The people’s playground
• The Library of Birmingham: Opening what was closed
• The Library of Birmingham: Outside in
• The Library of Birmingham: A place for a snog

Looking out over the city – Christian Richters

foto Harry Cock

I am a Face of the Library of Birmingham and one of its Ambassadors.