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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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.
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Meet the author
Central Library
Meet Julia Peters, author of the book, 'Three Little Birds Burning in the Flames of War''. Based on a true story, it tells the story of the consequences of the war and the personal tragedies of ordinary people through the eyes of Ukrainian refugees. Includes a Q&A, lottery and presentation of both the English and Ukrainian version of the book.
Friday 25th October 2024, 6-8pm. Floor 4, Meeting Room 2, Central Library. Free entry - donations to charity are welcome.
- Friday
- 25/10/2024
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW
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Employment support
Central Library
If you need support to find a suitable job or help with a physical or mental health condition to move into employment, join us at our employment support event on Friday 4th October.
A number of support services will be available on the day offering advice on jobs, debt, benefits, housing, childcare and adult learning and more.
- Friday
- 04/10/2024
- 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EW
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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:
- 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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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.
- Weds 2nd October: Smoking Cessation and Sexual Health 2.30pm – 4pm
- Thursday 10th October: World Mental Health Day event 10.30am – 4pm
- Weds 16th October: Get outdoors! Recycling, Composting and Seed Library 2.30pm – 4pm
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 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.
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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.