The Harding Law Library has served the Law School since 1961 and, on the eve of its closure and relocation to the new, state-of-the-art main library, we invited alumni to reminisce with peers, academics, and library staff. The move marks an exciting new phase for the Law School as the development of the space will include new facilities for mooting and advocacy.

Books in the Harding Law Library

As you may know, the Harding Library has been an integral part of the University of Birmingham since the 1900s. We are now entering an exciting new phase in the Library’s history, as the law collection moves to a new home in the outstanding new University Library, opening in late summer this year.

Fellow alumni and Law School staff came together recently for an evening of celebration of the Harding Law Library, to reflect on the Harding’s distinguished history, and to share memories of their time on campus. Photos from the evening are now available in our online gallery at flickr.

Alumni in the Harding Law Library

This is an exciting time for the School as there are also new plans being developed for the Harding, with proposals to develop the space to provide a rich variety of state-of-the-art study and teaching environments for students. This will include new study spaces, and a Translation Suite to provide a real-life translation and interpretation experience for Law and Modern Languages students. At the heart of proposed redevelopments will be a new Moot Room, designed to provide optimum opportunities for the University’s well established mooting activity. The room will be specifically designed to provide potential for both mock trial arrangements and high quality ‘flat floored’ teaching.

These developments will mark an exciting future for Birmingham Law School and fantastic new facilities for current students; the next generation of Law School alumni.

To achieve this vision we need your help. Collective action by you and your fellow alumni can bring the current Harding building facilities into the 21st Century, ensuring the continued pre-eminence of the Birmingham Law School, and enhancing life at Birmingham for the next generation of students. For more information about supporting this project please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office on giving@contacts.bham.ac.uk or click here to find out more and make a donation.