Inside the Hive
Level 0 - Shared study
The lower ground floor is a social space, with group study areas, gaming stations, comfortable chairs and vending machines. You’ll also find the DVD and graphic novel collections here. The secure archives are also housed on Level 0 and on occasion, special tours can be arranged for visitors.
Level 1 - Discover
The ground floor consists of a large and colourful children’s library, with access to ‘Story Island’, the cafe, exhibition spaces and The Studio theatre as well as The Worcestershire Hub and a large selection of quick choice books for those in a hurry.
Level 2 - Explore the Past
This floor is home to the archive and archaeology service where you can explore the history of Worcestershire, including places and families, using original photos, maps, documents, archaeological evidence and digital resources. There are also meeting rooms and a Business Centre that includes a suite of three rooms, an informal networking space and 24-hour newsfeed.
Level 3 - Read, learn, imagine
There will be something for everyone in the main integrated public and University library on this level with its wide-ranging fiction, academic and general non-fiction collection. It also has quiet study spaces and formal/informal reading places. Comfortable chairs and sofas provide a space to read and relax and take in the views over the city. An outdoor seating area is available.
Level 4 - Research, quiet study
The fourth floor is for silent study and is equipped with desks, chairs and window seating for peaceful reading and research without interruption.
Please note: rooms within The Hive can be used by customers to pray. If you are using The Hive and need a private space to pray please ask a member of staff and they will direct you to an available room. It is a Worcestershire County Council policy to be equally supportive of all faiths.
Outdoors
The Hive sits within a lovely landscaped environment, with terraces and gardens. There are also two balconies in the building and the unique ‘Story Island’, an outdoor teaching space for children which is accessed through the children’s library.
