For those ardent book readers, there are numerous Birmingham bookshops and other alternative venues which are available throughout the city centre and its surrounding area to acquire virtually any type of book which they are looking for in support of their book reading hobby.
The same applies to students looking for educational books of all imaginable subjects to assist them with their school, college or university studies. These range from subjects such as chemistry, biochemistry, electronics, history, geography, mathematics, physics, science, psychology, technology, engineering, architecture, media studies, computing/IT/internet and also language study courses covering French, German, Spanish, Italian, Welsh, Latin etc., to photography, cookery, crafts, DIY and driving/driving tests.
Reading can also turn into a way of life for some people especially the elderly, who find reading relaxing. For people with eyesight problems, audio books and books in large print are also available in some instances.
There are numerous shops, bookstore, libraries, store, charity shops, market stalls, antiquarian booksellers, universities, specialist religious bookshops/bookshop like Christian, Islamic, etc. and the odd shop or shops etc., who provide facilities for the purchase, loan, swap or even the selling back of books of all descriptions and titles by the general public. Books can be purchased as new or second hand and in hard or soft covers with the latter in both categories being the much cheaper option. You will also find the odd specialist old and rare bookseller who has numerous antique books on offer. Most holidays, hotels and accommodation venues also offer books for borrowing purposes.
With regard to libraries, it has been estimated that Birmingham's main library in Chamberlain Square, which is currently being replaced by a new library in Centenary Square, loans some 8 million books annually. Libraries will occasionally dispose of books at very reasonable prices when they have been deemed to have reached their end of use date due to their general condition.
Another great benefit in using libraries is that they offer vast quantities of books, quiet surrounds and comfortable seating, whilst readers decide on which book or books to borrow.
Today companies like Amazon also provide e books which can be simply transferred electronically onto their Kindle book systems. Books can also be purchased online, from EBay, Book Clubs and also from Mail Order companies such as Readers Digest.
Generally, the majority of books read weekly are fiction books or non fiction books; novels written by authors with their stories acknowledged under the headings of Romance, Detective, Murder Mystery, Western, War, Thriller, Horror, Historical, to name but a few. Each individual reader will have their own favourite and best author or authors and will always be on the lookout for their next additions.
There are numerous children's story books, some of which are printed, by order, with the actual name of an individual child being identified a number of times within the story. Such books are ideal for Christmas or birthday gifts.
Experts in every known subject have also written books on their particular field of expertise from grass cultivation to the Roman Empire. The same applies to education requirements with educational/textbooks being available covering every named subject of education known to mankind.
Famous people from the world of sport, theatre, film, music, including and rock & roll stars have also produced biographies or autobiographies of their numerous life experiences.
There are numerous encyclopaedia's available again covering a large majority of subject matters from medical to financial.
Numerous books have also been written about all aspects of and to also provide a picture of Birmingham through the ages.
One book which will always be found in virtually all book stores will be an edition of the Holy Bible which most youngsters will be presented with in their early years of life.
As a point of interest, in 2010 it was estimated that worldwide there were some 130 million separately titled books available to readers from all walks of life and cultures.
Accommodation
Art and Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Charities
Community Clubs
Education
Estate Agents
Fastfood
Health and Medical
Heritage and Attractions
Leisure and Fitness
Local Services
Nightlife
Pets
Professional Services
Public Services and Government
Pubs And Bars
Religious Organisation
Restaurants
Shopping
Sports Clubs
Tradesman
Travel
