Central Library
Central Library is a beautifully re-modelled building with free wifi and computers. It's the home of our business centre, a dedicated family space and the Liverpool Record Office and Archives. It also houses the historic grade II listed Picton Reading Room and Hornby Library along with 15,000 rare books. Find out more about all the services we offer.
Central Library
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Find us
William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW
Contact us
We are closed bank holidays
Main library opening hours
The 24-hour book return machine outside Central Library is currently unavailable. Please return books during the opening times below.
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Other services opening hours
Explore our archives, records and rare books
Our collections date from 13th century onwards. Explore original documents, photographs, maps and newspapers which record the lives of Liverpudlians across the centuries.
Free reference sites
Access a rich variety of reference sites online via our digital reading platform readliverpool.co.uk.
More to do at Central Library
Visit the Business and IP Centre, or hire a meeting room.
Discover library - for children and families
A fully accessible family area with a child friendly environment hosting a wealth of books and free computers to use for young people up to 14. Find out more about children's library resources.
Additional services and facilities
Study spaces
- Four floors of seating
- Library computers - some available to pre-book and some walk up computers for members
- A quiet study space in the Picton Reading Room, first floor
Facilities
- Free wifi
- Multi-functional devices that print, scan and copy
- Toilets and baby change facilities
Accessibility
- Automatic entrance doors
- Accessible lift
- Accessible toilets
- Changing Places toilet
Events at Central Library
Events will be promoted here in the run-up to the event.
You can also view our main library events page, where you will find out about our regular events and what's happening in our community libraries.
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The Darker Side of Pink
Central Library
Charity METUPUK is exhibiting 31 transparent figures across three floors of Central Library, one for each woman who dies every day from Metastatic or secondary breast cancer. Each figure has a QR code that plays a video from a breast cancer patient when scanned. Find out more at metupuk.org.uk.
The exhibition runs until Friday 12th December. Free - just drop in.
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Sit in Matilda's chair
Central Library
Come and visit us for your chance to be photographed with the chair from the spectacular hit West End musical
Matilda.Free - just pop in any time during library opening hours. The chair will be here until January 2026.
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Open Minds
Central Library
Come along and discuss life's 'big' questions over four sessions run by The Thinker CIC. Each week we will look at topics such as knowledge, morality and freedom using stories, images and activities inspired by Merseyside's great thinkers to open the discussion up.
Thursday 15th, Thursday 22nd and Thursday 29th of January 2026, and Thursday 5th February 2026 at 6pm-7.15pm. Free entry. Email info@thethinkerhub.com to book your place.
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Amazing Animals and Curious Creatures
Central Library
From illustrated fairy tales and children’s picture books, to classic explorations of the natural world in full colour, Liverpool Central Library’s Special Collections play host to a whole world of creatures in Central's Hornby Library.
Free entrance to the public. Open during normal Central Library opening hours. Runs until 2nd February 2026. -
Story Time
Central Library
Every Tuesday 12- 12.30pm during term time in the Discover room.
Free just drop in
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The Proud Readers' Book Club
Central Library
Liverpool Central Library welcomes you to this inclusive Bookclub. Open discussion in a safe space about classical and new LGBTQ+ authors.
Last Wednesday of every month - 6pm to 7.30pm
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Shared Reading PLUS sessions
Central Library
Aimed at people living with dementia, their carers, family members and friends. Just drop in, grab a cuppa and enjoy listening to a poem or story - no pressure to talk or read.
Wednesdays at 1pm. Drop in. For more information contact alison.cassidy@liverpool.gov.uk.
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Try shared reading
Central Library
Shared reading groups bring people together to talk, laugh and share.
Drop in, grab a cuppa and enjoy listening to a story or poem. No pressure to read or talk! Email alison.cassidy@liverpool.gov.uk for more information.
Every Monday from 2pm-3.30pm.
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Sole Survivor CIC - PTSD support group
Central Library
This group supports PTSD survivors and meets weekly to focus on sharing coping strategies, experiences and pathways to wellness. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis. To join and find out more visit the Sole Survivor website call 07903 544585 or email info@ptsdsupport.co.uk.
Each Tuesday 6.30-7.30pm in the fourth floor meeting rooms.
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Rethink Mental Illness Peer Support Group
Central Library
Each Thursday from 4pm-6pm and Friday from 10.30am-12pm in the first floor Enquire area.
Drop in - no appointment needed.
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Liverpool in Work employment advice helpdesk
Central Library
Each Thursday 10am to 2.30pm in the Atrium Café.
Call 0151 233 5312 to make an appointment.
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National Careers Service: CV and employability skills
Central Library
One-to-one help with your CV and cover letters, interview skills, finding courses and training, as well as career advice and skills assessments. Appointments are held in the ground floor games room each Friday between 10am-4pm.
Free. Call 0800 100 900 to book an appointment with the adviser Mark Chapman.
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Councillor's Surgery
Central Library
A chance to chat with your councillor if you have a problem or need advice. First Saturday of the month 12pm — 1pm.
Drop in.