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
All libraries are closed on 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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Arts and crafts session
Central Library
Come and be creative in the Discover area of Central Library. This event is aimed at children under 12 years of age.
Friday 10th April 2026, 12pm-4pm. Free event all welcome - just drop in. -
Clarisse Loughrey - author talk and Q&A
Central Library
A live reading and Q&A with film critic Clarisse Loughrey about her new book 'Wes Anderson: A Retrospective', a loving examination the work of one of modern cinema’s most celebrated and distinctive directors.
Saturday 11th April 2026 1pm-3pm. Reserve your free spot now (Eventbrite).
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Easter holiday activities
Central Library
Activities for children aged 4 to 16 who are eligible for free school meals. Access a range of activities between now and April 10th 2026. Activities include arts, crafts, cycling, visual-based learning and role play all based out of Central Library which is the meeting point.
To find out more and register your interest, please call 07999600451 or email emmanuelwestlyfoundation@gmail.com.
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Voyages
Central Library
Embark on our latest exhibition in the Hornby Library drawn from our special collections and rare books. Voyages brings together maps, illustrations, rare texts and first editions that document the human impulse to seek out new discoveries, frontiers and knowledge.
In the Hornby Library. Free entry during normal library opening hours. Runs until 1st June 2026.
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Writers who inspire
Central Library
Join three Royal Literary Fund writers for a free, engaging hour of shared reading and discussion of the writers who inspire them. Hosted by biographer and ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Witch’ Zoë Howe and featuring celebrated and award-winning novelists Caroline Corcoran and Sophie Duffy.
Friday 24th April 2026 from 4pm to 5pm. Book your free ticket now (eventbrite.co.uk)
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An evening with Audubon
Central Library
Discover the story behind Birds of America and its controversial creator, John James Audubon. The talk will take place from 6-7pm and you can choose to view the second volume of Birds of America before at 5:30pm, or after at 7pm.
Thursday 30th April 2026 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Reserve your free spot now (Eventbrite).
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The Reading Round Poetry Special
Central Library
Four monthly meetings discovering poems for sheer enjoyment. Led by Poet and Writer Pauline Rowe in Room 1 on the 4th Floor.
Saturday 2nd May, Saturday 6th June, Saturday 4th July and Saturday 1st August from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
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Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day
Central Library
Young onset dementia affects people under the age of 65 and can often go unrecognised. Join us for a day of talks, resources and advice to help improve understanding and signpost support and opportunities. Hear from expert speakers as well as people living with young onset dementia, visit information stands, take part in Q and A sessions and get legal advice.
Thursday 7th May 2026 at 10am-4pm. Free, just drop in.
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Death Café
Central Library
A safe and respectful space where people can discuss their views and experience of death and dying and explore their own mortality. A group with no agenda or objectives - you are invited to draw or doodle your thoughts and feelings in the session.
Saturday 9th May 2026 at 10.30am-3.30pm in Meeting Room 1 on Floor 4. Book your free ticket now (eventbrite.co.uk)
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Story Time
Central Library
Every Tuesday 12- 12.30pm during term-time in the Discover room.
Free just drop in
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Shared Reading for 3 to 5's
Central Library
Brand new relaxed sessions for little ones and their grown ups to explore the magic of books! Enjoy stories, rhymes, sing-a-longs and lots of fun. Come along on the day or speak to a member of the library team for more information. Find more out about the event at www.thereader.org.uk.
Thursdays from 1.30pm until 2.30pm. Free 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.