Central Library image

Central Library

Tourist attraction Library

The city's largest library dates back to 1860 & features a rooftop terrace & atrium staircase. People often mention library, visit, books, amazing, Library, open, room, Liverpool, great, staff,


Address

William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW, United Kingdom

Website

liverpool.gov.uk

Contact

+44 151 233 3069

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (716 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 9 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 9 am to 8 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 8 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 8 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 8 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: library (33) visit (16) books (16) amazing (14) Library (12) open (12) room (12) Liverpool (11) great (11) staff (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Marian N. 1 year ago on Google
    A walk in Liverpool center brought me to the Central Library. What an amazing place. It's a must see.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Neil B. 8 months ago on Google
    The guide on the tour bus said that tourists wouldn't normally think of visiting this library but recommended a visit to see the modern, spiral staircase with a glass roof and the contrast with the old reading rooms. We were glad we did make a visit as the above are amazing. At the top of the staircase you can go out on to the roof for fine views. We thought that the glass roof resembled a dalek and by some bizarre coincidence when we got to the bottom of the staircase there was a dalek on the forecourt!! 😱 Also, there were notices saying there could be noise today and it turned out one of the Beatles tribute acts were doing a small performance! 😃 Although I can't guarantee you will see a dalek or hear a Beatles tribute band it is worth a visit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gareth T. 1 year ago on Google
    We are here visiting Liverpool, so decided to take a peak in the Library…. Wow! The new section seems very well laid out, a really great facility for locals/students, very lucky to have this. The older sections are amazing too, so worth a look even if like me you’re not particularly into books.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruijie SK C. 1 year ago on Google
    Is this the best library ever? Liverpudlians must feel so lucky to have such an amazing central library. There’s a great collection of books covering interesting topics in detail, even shelves and shelves of music scores. It was also very welcoming to library users with many types of tables to use for studying or discussions. The Picton Reading Room really took my breath away.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mattia 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place! If you want a quiet place to work, read or study it's your place! There are different rooms inside and a lot of chairs and couches I saw a few PC but I'm not sure if you can use them for your interest. A beautiful place to spend your time well!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mattias H. 9 months ago on Google
    Well worth a visit. The old was especially nice, and the reading rooms were just wow! Nice availability for people in wheelchairs and pleasant rooftop terrace with nice views
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Georgina O. 11 months ago on Google
    Lovely museum located in the city centre. Easy to access and has so many books 📕 ranging from across different disciplines and topics and computers and Wi-Fi. Absolute recommend
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Dawn D. 2 years ago on Google
    Wanted to visit the viewing platform on the 4th floor today. Got into the lift, pressed the button, nothing happened. Tried again. Didn't move. Decided to get out and report the faulty lift to a staff member. A rather officious lady asked what floor I wanted to get to and then snapped "it's not open - you can't go there". No explanation..no apology. Maybe rather than snapping at me because I didn't know try putting a sign up to inform library users? Sometimes I wonder if I was a tourist would I return when you get such a reaction like that! Still no idea why it was closed. The library was open..so why not this? In fact nothing seemed open today - the Museum, Walker Art Gallery and St George's Hall all shut.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eliot C. 2 years ago on Google
    Liverpool Central Library is a modern, open plan rebuild of an institution dating from 1860. The complex of classical architecture located on William Brown Street was built in 1860 to house the William Brown Library and Museum. The two remain linked and today comprise the Central Library and the World Museum. The Library was extended in 1879 with the addition of the stunning Picton Reading Room. The circular room and semicircular frontage was designed by Cornelius Sherlock and named for the library chairman at the time, Sir James Picton. It was the first electrically lit library In England. Behind the Corinthian columns of the Picton Reading Room is the Hornby Library, built in 1906. Decorated in the Edwardian Imperial style, this smaller but no less showy set of rooms now contains some of the oldest books in the library's collection. Between 2010 and 2013, the library underwent significant transformation and restoration. The atrium is topped with a glass dome and criss-crossed with glass sided stair cases. Each floor off the main atrium is largely open plan, well lit and modern.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gordon 1 year ago on Google
    The Central Library has been a great help to me as a Volunteer Community Worker and Project Organiser I have Archived my 2 Projects of a marble plaque placed on Everton Valley / Royal Street 15th March 2022 Explaining the history of our 2 Football Teams and an Aircrash 1937. Also on 29/08/22 placing a Blue Plaque on the location of Epstein / Nems Shop were Brian Epstein started his career Walton Rd/Royal Street I can't thank them enough as I started this well before covid set in so once again Thanking You All Gordon W Whitehall
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Peter J. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for Liverpool makefest 2022, a celebration of craft, technology and science held in person for first time in two years. Fantastic events for children of all ages especially for free!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 the girl who is always t. 10 months ago on Google
    my favourite go to place whenever i need a quiet place to study or relax. i'm in love with the picton reading room in particular - it's a quiet spot, charging sockets available at the desk, and a good atmosphere! there are a lot of variety of books but i don't really use them much, might go for one or two books in the future. unfortunately, the cafe downstairs is not open whenever i'm there (not sure if it's because it's closed down forever). so i hope there will be a cafe downstairs soon!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Maria P. 2 years ago on Google
    I have enjoyed going there the last couple of months. It's a shame that the staff keep talking very loud between them, impolite. which makes it harder to do some reading or work. Such a shame, because the place is so lovely.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr Jamie S. 6 months ago on Google
    Superb building with great facilities. Recommend taking the stairs to the loft view terrace for a fine view of the Liverpool skyline.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Osaretin E. 2 years ago on Google
    Really gorgeous during the festive market which is close to the Liverpool Christmas market.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 huda h. 8 months ago on Google
    3 floors with ample seating and computers and a wide variety of books. There's a coffee shop in the groud floor should you get hungry. The rooftop is the best thing about this place as you can go out and see the most amazing skyline view The staff are very friendly and helpful. Temperatures can drop in here so be sure to carry something to stay warm.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LTT_OFFICIAL 11 months ago on Google
    The library is nice. The staff is nice. The reading room is really nice and quiet. The view from the roof top of the library is also nice. *Plugs available* *Washroom availble*
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia K. 1 year ago on Google
    Very imposing building and very friendly staff. There is a 24 hour book return slot outside the building. Very close to Lime Street Station. There is a cafe at the entrance. This wasn't open when we were there. The library is situated between the museum and the art gallery which both also have excellent facilities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan G. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful building inside and out. Although the library is open every day, it's not every day you get to have a behind the scenes tour. These are available during liverpool heritage open days. The refurbishment is amazing, the reading room is a stunning room with a domed ceiling and beautiful wood panelling. There is so much for people of all ages here. Apart from borrowing books as you do in a library, there's a gaming room for younger people, the internet for all, or just catch up with the news with a selection of newspapers, all in amazing surroundings. We were privileged to have gone behind the scenes and have had a great tour guide in Mike. Considering it's free entry it's a must visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen H. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful huge library perfectly mixing the modern with the historical. The entrance atrium of 4-5 storeys is amazing and yet the round reading room harks back to a bygone era. Very busy on a Saturday but also automated machines for checking books in and out. Just how all libraries should be
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kandis G. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband & I were visiting for the day and were told to check out the library, so we did. Chris was absolutely amazing, taking the time to show us around so we didn’t miss anything! Thank you for the special tour & library cards Chris, you made our visit that much more special
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sian L. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely gig this afternoon. The sound was amazing in the discover room. Nice comfy seating and a very relaxing place to watch love music! Really enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Gopi C. 1 year ago on Google
    It was quite good. Both from outside and inside. There was a huge dome shaped reading room inside with lots of tables, charging points for your laptops and its surrounded by thousands of books at the edges with two levels of book shelves. The place is very encouraging for working environment and for reading. Quite peaceful as you would expect it to be. This is just level 1 and there are lot of levels to explore. I find this place to be very convenient for working with laptop. It also has a free Wi-Fi.

  • 5/5 Kris C. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing library with such a diverse range of topics and choices. The staff are friendly and polite, there are plenty of hot desks to study at, a solent study room (which is worth the visit alone) and a small café downstairs. Overall, a great sense of community and enjoyment to be had finding something new to read.

  • 5/5 Antony H. 4 months ago on Google
    Amazing building. Reading room so ornate. Well worth a look even if you not browsing for books. In a great spot with museum oneside and art gallery the other. Visit all 3 for a great experience

  • 5/5 P M. 4 months ago on Google
    People of Liverpool -you are blessed to have access to such a wonderful building

  • 5/5 Aisha A. 3 months ago on Google New
    Liverpool Central Library, in my opinion, is not just a repository of knowledge but a masterpiece of architectural beauty. The grandeur of its historic facade, coupled with the modern interior, creates a captivating blend of old and new. The vast reading rooms and the stunning Picton Reading Room with its dome make every visit a visual delight. It's not just a library; it's a testament to Liverpool's rich cultural heritage and a truly enchanting place for bibliophiles.

  • 5/5 T 3 months ago on Google New
    So much available space to sit and read or get some work done in this library. And toilets on every floor! A beautifully designed building!

  • 5/5 Anesh S. 3 months ago on Google New
    Phenomenal collection of original manuscripts dating around 18th century to now. A must do on your visit to Liverpool. Free entry

  • 1/5 Harry T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place but truly disgracefully managed. Travelled from Chester on a Sunday to return books and both the library and return dump outside closed. And apparently not going to open till the next budget review! Shambles mate.

  • 5/5 Tom F. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic building and library service Staff are brilliant and always happy to help

  • 5/5 Gerald R. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent, don't let the Tories take our library!

  • 4/5 Jason W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for a few hours on a rainy day with a toddler

  • 5/5 Rebecca D. 2 years ago on Google
    There's a good range of books available.

  • 5/5 Ken M. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely wonderful.

  • 4/5 Joana R. 5 years ago on Google
    The space inside has amazing lighting, the architecture is beautiful even though as the stairs are confusing, the last floor has a balcony with an amazing view and the places inside are so beautiful and so different from all the other libraries I’ve been in my life! Definitely will visit in the future

  • 5/5 Alexander L. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the Central Library and Picton Reading Room today. Behind its original facade the Central Library is very modern, bright and airy with lots of computers available to use. The Reading Room has kept its original charm and is lovely to sit and read in.

  • 1/5 Emma A. 2 years ago on Google
    Looking at the other reviews it seems my daughter and her friend are not alone in being treated appallingly at this library. As a public place dealing with people all day every day you’d think people skills should be at the top of the list when applying for this type of job. They are only 16 trying to revise for their GCSEs and were made to feel that awkward that they left! It was only their first visit!! The gentleman who works there should be ashamed of himself speaking to young girls the way he did. I think someone might need to look into the staff at this place as they aren't the only people its happened to…..

  • 5/5 Esther C. 1 year ago on Google
    An unexpected visit to the Library in August 2022. The architecture is a mixture of old and modern so it’s eclectic in looks. The foreground to the library has a lot of famous names and is very interesting to stand and look at them. The library has part of it open to public and is free to enter. Had two distinct domes. One is modern and the other is archaic but beautiful none the less.

  • 1/5 Victoria J. 2 years ago on Google
    How rude are the cleaners at the library, telling my son and his friend to move away from the 1st floor computer area whilst they were revising. There were no other study areas at the time. Disgusting staff making them feel uncomfortable and having to leave. My son advised that the cleaners and their management do it often

  • 5/5 Eleanor M. 1 year ago on Google
    Fascinating library steeped in history. We visited the library as part of a walking tour and were amazed by the modern architecture in the atrium in contrast to the Picton Reading room. Well worth a visit, especially as part of a tour.

  • 5/5 H B. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunning library, with a lovely set up for children. Accessible from Liverpool lime street station (a 2 minute walk!). Will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Godfrey H. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning building and an amazing view from the seating area at the top!

  • 5/5 Dave B. 1 year ago on Google
    Helpful knowledgeable staff, great resources and a brilliant children's library. There are often special activities for children too. A lovely place to introduce books to young readers.

  • 5/5 Anthony C. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place, great building, brilliant resource for a the public.

  • 5/5 Stephen M. 1 year ago on Google
    Liverpool central library is a great public facility . I used the archive section which was outstanding in the information you can find the staff and volunteers are very helpful and knowledgeable , willing to help out and guide you in the right direction . The library itself is vast , bright , open space books ( of course ) :) on probably any and every subject you could think of , computer access . Great place to visit do it you might like it .

  • 5/5 Joe H. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic place, the staff were so helpful and polite. Helped me on computer and talked me through the full process of printing some important documents. Will definitely visit it again soon to use the many facilities other than books.👍


Call +44 151 233 3069 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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