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
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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
- Gender neutral toilets
- Baby change facilities
Accessibility
- Automatic entrance doors
- Accessible lift
- Accessible toilets
- Changing Places toilet
Audio guide
Provided by Merseyside Sight Loss Council.
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Introduction
Download Introduction (MP3 3.5MB) -
Road to entrance
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Entrance to reception walkway
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Reception desk to lifts
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Reception desk to children's reading area
Download Reception desk to children's reading area (MP3 590KB)
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Entrance to toilets
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Audio and large print books
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Entrance to café
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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200 Years of Birds of America
Central Library
2026 marks 200 years since Audubon’s visit to Liverpool, a city that proved central to the success of Birds of America. Discover the story behind these iconic plates and their controversial creator, John James Audubon. The true story behind these volumes is more unexpected than previously imagined..."
Free entry. Saturday 10th October 2026 until February 2027, Hornby Library
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Sonnets in the Stacks: A poetry celebration
Central Library
A poetry recital, discussion session and open mic all in one, featuring celebrated local poets (Sally Porter, Stephen Porter, Femme and Elizabeth Gibson) performing their own work before opening the floor to the public!
Free to attend, but book your spot on Eventbrite.
Saturday October 17th, 1pm to 3pm in the Hornby Library
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DEAF coffee morning
Central Library
Join us for our free, warm and friendly coffee morning (or tea, juice and biscuits). It's parent led, community focused and inclusive.
Deaf Empowerment and Access 4 Families (DEAF) supports parents of deaf children to promote communication, support and confidence.
Saturday 17th October, 11am to 1pm - Drop in
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Zine-making workshop
Central Library
Join us for a zine-making workshop, where an expert will guide you through creating your own colourful zine. It's free to attend, open to all ages and all materials are provided. Just drop by the Community Pod on the day.
Saturday October 17th 11am to 12:30pm
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Postcards from the Future
Central Library
Free creative writing workshops for children aged 7 to 11. Children can learn about what life could be like in 2050 and write a short, inspiring story and design an illustration about the future onto a postcard. This is an accessible and inclusive event.
- Saturday 17th October 2:30pm to 4:30pm: Discover Room
- Saturday 24th October 2:30pm to 4:30pm: Meeting Room One
Book on Eventbrite (limited availability). More information from our blog or email charles@readnowwritenow.org.uk.
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Free Family Yoga with Little Sanctuary
Central Library
Join Little Sanctuary for a free 45 minute family yoga story-adventure. For families with children aged 4yrs to 11yrs (younger siblings and babies always welcome in arms)
Saturday 24th October from 10am to 10:45am. Free - reserve your spot so we know your coming.
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Photo Detectives: Dating antique photographs
Central Library
Join historian Dr Brandon Taylorian for a free, hands-on workshop exploring how to date and interpret 19th and early 20th century photographs. Participants are encouraged to bring their own old photographs to investigate during the session. No previous knowledge or experience required.
For more information about the project, visit www.antiquephotographs.co.uk.
Thursday 29th October, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Meeting Room 2
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Halloween - The Heart of the History
Central Library
Join Kevin Smith and Lucia J Leinster for games and surprises for adults and kids... and the real story of Halloween!
Thursday 29th October, 12pm to 2pm, Discovery section.
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Pillows: Ceramic installation
Central Library
Visit this one-day installation commemorating the victims of the infected blood scandal. More than 30,000 people across the UK received treatments contaminated with HIV, Hepatitis C, and/or Hepatitis B, leading to over 3,000 deaths. Artist Chris Simmans will be on-site all day for this free event to discuss the installation and answer questions.
Friday 27th November
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Free sewing workshop
Central Library
Beginners are welcome. For more information email emmanuelwestlyfoundation@gmail.com or call 07999600451.
Every Tuesday, 10.30am to 2pm
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Free arts and crafts workshop for kids
Central Library
Join us for Christmas and autumn themed painting, drawing and crafting. For more information email emmanuelwestlyfoundation@gmail.com or call 07999600451.
Every other Saturday 12pm to 3pm
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Wonder Hub
Central Library
Song, story and rhyme session. Sing, dance, listen and play together! For ages 0-5 years.
Every other Friday 10.30am to 11.15am (starts 2nd October)
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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.
Tuesdays from 12pm until 1pm. Free Drop In.
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Chess Club
Central Library
Chess Club. All ages and levels welcome. Please speak to staff for more information.
Every Tuesday, 5pm to 7pm.
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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 libraries.enquiries@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 libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk for more information.
Every Monday from 2pm-3.30pm.
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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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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 to 2.30pm in the Atrium Café.
Call 0151 233 5312 to make an appointment.
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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: 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. From 1st October 2026, the National Careers Service will merge into a new Jobs & Careers Service.
Free. Call 0800 100 900 to speak to a careers adviser for information, advice or support.