Central Library
Central Library is a beautifully re-modelled building with free wifi and 130 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
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Service 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
- 130 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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Creative Genius Conference
Central Library
Meet inspirational young authors Destiny, Caleb and Latoya Likambi at an event produced by the Likambi Global Publishing Group in partnership with Liverpool City Council. This free event is designed to empower young people and encourage them to develop a love for reading and creativity.
Register for free tickets on Eventbrite now
Saturday 3rd August 2024 from 1pm to 4pm.
- Saturday
- 03/08/2024
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW
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The Little Lamb Tales Library Tour
Central Library
Join Jude Lennon and her storytelling mascots, Lamby and Flossie, for lots of lovely tales that are perfect for 3-10 year-olds.
Tuesday 6th August 2024 at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
All welcome. Free - just drop in.
- Tuesday
- 06/08/2024
- 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW
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Steam Engineers
Central Library
Join us for a fun, crafty activity!
Friday 23rd August 2024
Drop in anytime between 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
For more information, visit steamengineers.co.uk
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Emerging Voices
Central Library
Passionate about drama? Join our Emerging Voices play reading group sessions and enjoy reading a play out loud and discussing it with others. All sessions are on a Thursday from 6pm to 7:45pm in The Hornby Room on the following dates:
- 15th August 2024
- 29th August 2024
- 12th September 2024
- 3rd October 2024
- 31st October 2024
- 7th November 2024
- 28th November 2024
To book a session please email artgroupie@outlook.com.
Part of the Emerging Voices project funded by Arts Council England.
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Great Botanicals
Central Library
Visit our new exhibition 'Great Botanicals' on the first floor of Central Library. The exhibition includes a selection of botanical books from our collection.
Runs from 8th June to 31st August 2024 during library opening hours.
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Echoes From The Islands
Central Library
Three UK Reggae icons share their music careers and their Caribbean Heritage in a new and unique multimedia exhibition touring three Liverpool libraries this summer. The exhibition shares many fascinating stories, from how Macka B performed to Nelson Mandela, to Tippa Irie's legendary performance on Top of The Pops and Sandra Cross' No 1 Reggae hits.
- Toxteth Library: 24th June - 6th July
- Spellow Library: 8th July - 20th July
- Central Library: 22nd July - 3rd September
For further information please visit whisperedtales.org or email info@whisperedtales.org.
- Monday
- 22/07/2024 - 03/09/2024
- 12:00 AM
- William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW
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Story Time
Central Library
Join us for story time for young children between 12pm and 12.30pm each Tuesday during term time.
Drop in — free of charge
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Help us create artworks for Liverpool Irish Famine trail sites
Central Library
Calling all art and history lovers! We need you to get creative with Central Library and Liverpool Irish Festival and volunteer with local artist, @TadhgDevlin, to create artworks for Liverpool Irish Famine Trail sites based on the idea of family surnames with an Irish connection.
You will meet interesting and creative people, learn lots about your city and contribute to an internationally important project. We also would love to see family photographs and hear stories about your family.
For more details contact John Maguire at faminetrail@liverpoolirishfestival.com or artgroupie@outlook.com
Image credit: Our Home - Ella Rose and Thomas Jones
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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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Social prescribing drop-in
Central Library
Wednesdays 2.30pm to 4pm. Central Liverpool Primary Care Network social prescribing and welfare advice sessions. Access to the computer suite and help with IT skills and applying on Property Pool.
- 3rd July - Addiction services
- 10th July - Health Information Week
- 17th July - Mindfulness and meditation
- 24th July - Pride, LGBTQ+
- 31st July - Marie Curie hospice information desk
Central Library Main Atrium. Drop in - no appointment needed.
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Learn My Way basic digital skills course
Central Library
Each Wednesday 2.30pm-4.30pm in the first floor Enquire area.
Free - just drop in, no appointment needed.
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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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Liverpool in Work employment advice helpdesk
Central Library
Each Thursday 10am-2.30pm in the Atrium Café.
Drop in - no appointment needed.
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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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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.
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National Careers Service drop in 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 held in the ground floor games room each Thursday between 9am-5pm.
Free. Call 0800 100 900 to book an appointment with an adviser.
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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.