Malala Yousafzai opens the Library of Birmingham

The new Library of Birmingham has opened in Centenary Square, officially opened by Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived being shot by the Taliban and now lives in the city.

The £188.8 million library opened its doors to the public on 3 September, replacing the Central Library, which closed in June after almost 40 years.

"One book, one pen"

Before unveiling a plaque to mark the opening, Malala spoke to the crowd about the importance of books and education. "Let us not forget that even one book, one pen, one teacher can change the world," she said.

Malala, now 16, was shot by the Taliban in Pakistan last year because she campaigned for girls' education. She was flown to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for treatment, and has since made her home in the city with her family.

The largest public library in the country

The library has been described as the largest public library in the UK, the largest public cultural space in Europe and the largest regional library in Europe. It is expected to attract millions of visitors a year.

The building was designed by the Dutch architects Mecanoo, who won an international design competition in 2008. Its most striking feature is its facade of interlocking metal rings, inspired by the city's jewellery and metalworking heritage. Inside, escalators lead up through a series of circular spaces, and there are two outdoor terraces with gardens and views across the city.

At the top of the building is the Shakespeare Memorial Room, a Victorian room lined with wood carvings that was moved from the old library and rebuilt.

Archives and collections

The library holds some of the most important archive collections in the country, including the papers of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, and one of the world's most important Shakespeare collections.

It also shares facilities with the neighbouring Birmingham Repertory Theatre, including a new studio theatre.

A long journey

Plans for a new library had been discussed for many years. An earlier scheme for a library in Eastside, designed by Richard Rogers, was shelved for financial reasons. Building work began in January 2010 and was carried out by Carillion.

The design attracted wide support. The former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion described the plans as "properly ambitious", and the author Philip Pullman said it should attract even more users than the old library.

Questions over cost

The library has not been without critics. John Madin, architect of the old Central Library, criticised the new building, and some have questioned the cost at a time when the council is making deep cuts to other services, including local libraries.

A new landmark

For now, the city is celebrating. Thousands of people are expected to visit in the first days, and the library is set to become one of Birmingham's most recognisable landmarks, a symbol of a city that has spent the last two decades transforming its centre.