Liverpool Central Library

Jennifer
Liverpool Central Library
Liverpool Central Library reading room. Image by Austin Smith Lord

Liverpool‘s Grade II-listed Central Library is the largest of the 22 libraries in the city and sits alongside a string of other, similarly magnificent Neo-Classical venues on William Brown Street: World Museum Liverpool, St. George’s Hall and the Walker Art Gallery. With sections of the building dating back to 1850 (including the circular Picton Reading Room, whose acoustics make page-turning a thing of noisy, echoing wonder), the building was restored to historic glory in 2013 thanks to a £50m refurbishment.

The building also houses the Records Office and Archives, home to an extensive collection of documents and printed materials relating to the history of Liverpool dating from the 13th century to the present day.

The Picton Reading Room, Hornby Library and the Oak Room are a (genuinely) rare treat with the library housing 15,000 rare books. The beautiful reading space has floor to ceiling books with a mezzanine level accessible by narrow metal staircases and a walkway around the space.

The Hornby Library space is home to the private collection of Hugh Frederick Hornby, one of the finest ever assembled by a private collector, perhaps somewhat unusually focused on fine printing and the book as an art form.

In the Oak Room, look out for the display case with John James Audubon’s enormous Birds of America book, a true masterpiece in the field of natural history. The pages are turned weekly too which may not sound like much but this book really is bigger than you’d ever expect and each page is a joy to behold.

The library has 130 c0mputers so you can always find a spot to sit and work, do some research or just browse the web if you fancy doing it in a studious atmosphere. For families, there is a fully accessible family area with a child friendly spaces, lots of books and free computers to use for young people up to 14. You’ll also find the Business and IP centre on the first floor, providing support for starting or growing a business.

William Brown StreetLiverpoolL3 8EN View map
Telephone: 0151 233 5835 Visit now

Accessibility

Fully accessible

Admission Charges

Free

Services and Facilities

Full library, digital archives, events space, cafe

Opening Hours

  • Monday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Tuesday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Wednesday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Thursday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Friday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Saturday9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Liverpool Central Library

Static at Unity Theatre.
TheatreCity Centre
Static at Unity Theatre

Fiercely personal, Elaine Collins’ new semi-autobiographical solo show about memories, misfits and the messy side of showbiz is a must-see this May.

From £12.00
Experience a unique deep listening art installation inviting audiences to lay down and be bathed in sound and light.
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
ORIGIN at Dunham Massey

Art and wellness come together in the beautiful surroundings of Dunham Massey, in ORIGN, a new immersive sound installation.

Free entry

Where to go near Liverpool Central Library

City Centre
Gallery
Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery is a small but perfectly formed traditional gallery. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative art from 13th century to present day. 

library
Liverpool
Shop
Henry Bohn Books

Prepare to do some browsing and digging – this second hand bookshop is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered

City Centre
Music venue
Liverpool Empire Theatre

The largest two-tier theatre in the country, the Liverpool Empire Theatre boasts a busy programme of performances and events all year round.

O2 Academy music venue in Liverpool.
City Centre
Music venue
O2 Academy Liverpool

O2 Academy Liverpool (formerly the L2 and Carling Academy Liverpool) boasts two performance areas that host live music and clubnights.

City Centre
Theatre
Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre stages mostly home-grown comedies, somewhat mannered and self-conscious reflections of an inward-looking city.

hotel 2
City Centre
Hotel
The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel offers accommodation in style, with comfort, luxury and a seasonal menu in a central Liverpool location.

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City Centre
Hotel
Shankly Hotel

A glamorous tribute to Bill Shankly in hotel form, where else will you find a place where luxury meets fun in such style?

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