Liverpool Central Library We Love You!

The flagship, stunning city centre based library is a place with ideas are born, history is reawakened and the digital super highway connects us all.

From the lettered walk way to the stunning, light-filled atrium, Liverpool Central Library is a gem in the heart of the St George’s Quarter. Surrounded by history, neoclassical architecture and greenery, this four storey building mixes the old and new effortlessly.

The latest gaming technology lines up next to 13th century archives. The Picton Reading Room transports visitors from the bustling city centre to a scene straight from Beauty & The Beast, while the views from the 4th floor roof terrace puts the spotlight back on the breathtaking Liverpool skyline.

How stunning is our @CentralLibrary_ though?! You could spend months in here https://t.co/U5i1eyT1m7 pic.twitter.com/cOZvgDCHK8

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) February 6, 2019

Open 7 days a week, between 9am and 8pm, Liverpool Central Library is a hive of activity in many different ways. Discovery – a dedicated space for youngsters, allows children to wander, explore, read, colour, dance and sing – not to mention run along that ramp they love so much.

The archives gives the older generations the chance to trace their family trees, find their place in history and unearth truths about their heritage. Meeting rooms are busy with business drop in events, translating surgeries and writing clubs while downstairs in the Hornby Library, there are no less than 15,000 rare books – all waiting to inspire.

Grab a coffee from the ground floor cafe and let your fingers trace the spines of thousands of books across four vast floors on your next visit. You wont regret it.

In the words of the incredible Roald Dahl: “Oh please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install a lovely bookshelf on the wall.”

Here’s 14 things you can do at Liverpool Central Library….

1 – Borrow And Read A Book

It’s simple really. What do you want to read? Fairy tales for the grand kids? The latest crime thriller set right here in Liverpool? The life story of your hero? Classic Twain, Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens? Today’s paper? Magazines, comics, encyclopaedia? You name it, you’ll find it at Liverpool Central Library.

2 – Connect With The World

Liverpool Central Library is home to more than 150 computers. If you’re researching a project, updating your CV or getting your daily dose of BBC iplayer, you can log in and surf until your heart is content. Ps – wifi is free too.

3 – Meet Your Author Heroes

Liverpool Central Library hosts many live author Q&A and panel events throughout the year. Tickets are reasonably priced so more people can get up close and personal with their questions about their favourite stories, characters and plot lines. Find out more here.

More: Harry Potter Illustrator Jim Kay comes to Liverpool Central Library this October.

4 – Who Do You Think You Are?

Liverpool Central Library has an amazing archive of books and papers plus super helpful staff on hand to help you. There’s microfilm machines too! Read the headlines from your year of birth or find your ancestors in the census.

5 – Borrow a Best Seller

While Kindles and E Readers have their place in the market, nothing really compares to holding and pouring over an actual book. Can you guess what the most common genre borrowed by readers at Central Library is?

6 – Play XBox

The ground floor of Liverpool Central Library is where you’ll find the gaming cube – complete with XBox and a whole host of games. Yep, it’s not all about books you know!

7 – Pen A Best Seller

Crime author Ian Rankin – who also appeared live at Liverpool Central Library recently, told audiences he often writes in public places, not unlike fellow wordsmith and friend JK Rowling. Why not pull up a free chair and let your pen do the talking?

8 – Start Your Own Empire

Did you know there are regular Be Your Own Boss drop in sessions with business advice and entrepreneurial support from mentors and the Business & IP Centre too. No need for Dragons Den! Turn your idea into a money making business with support at Liverpool Central Library.

9 – Have Fun, Go Wild

Discover is a dedicated space for kids to be themselves. There’s books of all shapes and sizes plus live music and dance sessions, storytime, panto style shows, free computers, chill out spaces and bean bags a plenty. What will your little ones discover?

10 – Make!

Liverpool Central Library plays host to may creative and cultural gatherings throughout the year. Light Night has brought drummers and choirs to the space, while Make Fest invite youngsters to get crafty with junk and materials.

11 – Oui?

Did you know Liverpool Central Library has many book in different languages? Whether you’re bilingual and looking for the latest news or interested in learning a new language, there’s plenty of help on hand. Muy Bien!

12- Relax

Liverpool Central Library is a real multi use venue. Visitors use it to socialise, learn, progress and much more utilising the facilities and spaces to the full. One thing you can do, that takes little effort at all, is just relax. The peace and quiet of the Picton Reading Rooms, a comfortable chair on the ground floor, or a fantastic view of the city from the roof terrace, why not treat yourself to a moment of solitude?

13 – Enjoy a Coffee

The Deli Marche coffee shop on the ground floor at Liverpool Central Library sells Costa branded coffee and fresh cakes, sandwiches and snacks – great for reviving a heavy study session or to catch up with friends in a beautiful setting. You can also drink and dine outside on the terrace.

14 – Spread The Word

Liverpool Central Library is the flagship venue for learning and reading in the city but it’s the wider library connections that reach the communities across the city region. There’s a whole list of libraries, events, drop in sessions and more available online here. Find out whats happening in your local library here.

To find out more about Liverpool Central Library, opening hours, events and more, head to www.liverpool.gov.uk/libraries and follow @Liverpoollib on Twitter for updates.