One of the most dramatic things to happen in the world of public libraries was in 1994 when Norwich Central library was destroyed by fire (BBC News, Eastern Daily Press). In 2001 The Forum was opened.

The library is within the Forum so there is a gallery, café, restaurants, tourist information centre and proper well maintained loos. The website claims around 5,000 people visit every day. The library is the most well used public library in the country according to the stats.

I’m not usually impressed by signs but these ones were perfect in height, clarity and appearance.

There were a lot of trolleys waiting for reshelving and bookcases of material waiting to be shelved sorted into sections which I found quite shocking but I suppose that is a casualty of success. Most of the old battered trolleys looked a little out of place.

The separate children’s library with doors, provided a contained area to keep the children safe, deter lone adults (I felt like I shouldn’t go in) and meant you didn’t have to worry about your kids disturbing other readers. Baby rhymetime was taking place and was well attended.

There was a series of eye catching display cases with recommended books. I really liked this one:

I’ve never seen such a vast Mills and Boon (and equivalent) section before and an entire section on walking.

There is also a 2nd Air Division memorial library to American serviceman who lost their lives in World War II is in a separate room off the main library.

All in all a very busy and well stocked library.