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. Please refer to the banner at the top of this website for opening and closing times over Christmas and the New Year.
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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Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City
Central Library
Join us a for an extraordinary Creative Workshop led by Liverpool’s youngest published authors, Latoya, Caleb and Destiny Likambi, in celebration of World Book Day and the Liverpool Year of Reading 2026.
Saturday 21st March 2026 from 2pm-4pm. Free of charge.
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Life-changing Literature
Central Library
Join three Royal Literary Fund authors and poets, Dr Pauline Rowe, Carys Bray and Karl Whitney, for a free engaging hour discussing life-changing literature!
Friday 27th March from 4pm to 5pm.
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Little smiles for everyone
Central Library
A free sensory fun day for children and their families. Sensory games and learning stations. Toothbrushing tips and demonstrations. Personalised oral health advice. Take home information.
Thursday 2nd April 2026 from 12pm-3pm. Free of charge.
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The Big Easter 'Birds of America' Trail
Central Library
Want to create your own brilliant bird? Grab a trail sheet and follow our bird trail around the library. Bring your finished sheet to the ground floor desk to claim your Easter prize.
Saturday 4th April 2026. Join us in Discover from 12pm-3pm, followed by a bird story at 3pm.
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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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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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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.