John Bright, George Dawson, Birmingham Central Library, and Birmingham Central Library stone plaque

This stone commemorative plaque records: This Library built in the year 1866, and dedicated to public use by an address by George Dawson M.A. on the 26th of October of that year, was partially destroyed by fire on the 11th of January 1879, having been reconstructed and greatly enlarged, was reopened on the 1st of June 1882, by the Right Hon John Bright M.P. Thomas Avery Esqs being Mayor. Messrs Martin and Chamberlain Architects to replace the books destroyed by the fire a sum of £14,000 was forthwith subscribed principally by the burgesses of this borough Recorded plaque organisation: Birmingham City Council.

John Bright MP was a prominent 19th-century Radical politician known for his advocacy of free trade and electoral reform; George Dawson MA played a role in the early development and dedication of Birmingham Central Library, which has been a significant cultural institution in Birmingham.