Libraries and archives

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

Central Library

Open Today

Find us

William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW

Contact us

We are closed bank holidays

Main library opening hours

Opening hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

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
  • 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.

  • Open Minds - stimulating discussion

    Central Library

    A series of five, weekly, Open Minds session starts on Wednesday 15th January 2025. These groups offer you the chance to meet over tea and coffee to discuss the 'big' questions – from 'What does it truly mean to be free', to 'What's the difference between good and bad art?' and 'How should I make moral decisions?'. All of this happens in a friendly collaborative environment with a core ethos of working together.

    Game Room, Ground Floor.
    Wednesdays 10-11am from 15th January to 12th February – free to attend.

    • Wednesday
    • 15/01/2025 - 12/02/2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW

  • Steam Engineers

    Central Library

    Join us to make light up Christmas trees. All ages welcome but parent supervision is required.

    Saturday 14th December, 11am to 4pm.
    Drop in — free of charge

    For more information, visit steamengineers.co.uk

    • Saturday
    • 14/12/2024
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW

  • Christmas Arts and Crafts

    Central Library

    Come and join in our magical art and craft session presented by Positive Pathways.

    Saturday 14th December 2024, 11am - 4pm.
    Drop in — free of charge.

    • Saturday
    • 14/12/2024
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW

  • Christmas Story Time

    Central Library

    Join Grandma Bailey for Christmas story time.  All ages welcome.

    Saturday 21st December at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
    Drop in — free of charge

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Learn My Way basic digital skills course

    Central Library

    Each Wednesday 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the first floor Enquire area.

    Free - just drop in, no appointment needed.

  • 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.

  • Liverpool in Work employment advice helpdesk

    Central Library

    Each Thursday 10am to 2.30pm in the Atrium Café.

    Drop in - no appointment needed.

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • 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 are held in the ground floor games room each Friday between 10am-4pm.

    Free. Call 07955442397 to book an appointment with the adviser Mark Chapman.

  • 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.