Discover why Liverpool Central Library should be on your must-visit list when planning a trip to Liverpool!
Liverpool Central Library stands proudly on beautiful William Brown Street in the heart of historic Liverpool. It isn’t just a place to borrow books though; this is one of the finest places to visit in Liverpool and a destination in its own right.
As a lover of books, history and beautiful spaces I absolutely loved discovering this historic library and I think you will too. So without further ado, here’s why I think everyone should visit Liverpool Central Library at least once.
The Beautiful and (Sometimes) Historic Architecture
Do you love beautiful buildings? Me too. Have an equal love of modern design and historic gems? Then this is the place for you.
Liverpool Central Library is a Russian doll of a building, with layers of modern design mixed with that classic historic library feel. This is most definitely a ‘don’t forget to look up’ sort of place for the beautiful ceilings, vintage light fittings and ornate plasterwork.
The modern atrium entrance certainly delivers as a statement piece, whilst the historic grade II listed Picton Reading Room and Hornby Library are everything an heritage library should be: old books, hushed tones, wooden shelved loveliness.
I enjoyed the modern aspects of Liverpool Central Library- very extra, very impressive- but the the old rooms really stole my heart. They are the sort of rooms I can imagine myself in, dressed in a 1940’s inspired outfit of muted tones and tweed, seeking out books to solve some sort of mystery. Delightful.
The Books & The Birds
Liverpool Central Library is still a fully functioning lending library, serving the people of Liverpool for all their bookish needs. The book collection is vast and varied, from the latest releases to a 15,000 strong rare book collection. Across the Hornby Library and Picton Reading Room, display cases allow for hands-off viewing of some of rarer editions.
I plucked a book off the shelves at random and got this absolute banger- Studies in Classical and Byzantine Manuscript Illumination. Not exactly my thing, but there’s a book for everybody, isn’t there?
One of the most beautiful books on display can be found in the Oak Room: a volume of John James Audubon’s magnificent double-elephant folio size ‘Birds of America’. It is one of the libraries most famous and valuable natural history books and the page is turned every Wednesday, meaning there’s always a reason for a return visit.
A Welcome with Words
Liverpool Central Library is one of the largest public libraries in the UK and it also offers a uniquely wordy welcome. Look down at the main entrance and you’ll see a carpet of words; a granite walkway inlaid with classic book titles. You’ll see this on the image of the library entrance at the top of this post.
Seemingly random letters are picked out in red and if you rearrange them and ask a librarian for the next step, you’ll be rewarded with directions to a little treasure.
I’m being quite cryptic because I don’t want to spoil the surprise. I want everyone to visit and crack the code for themselves as part of enjoying this beautiful Liverpool library.
There’s also a couple of wordy walls and cleverly placed quotes within the library. Worth looking out for!
The Hidden Gem at the Top
Alongside books and fairytale architecture, this Liverpool Library is also keeper of a rooftop terrace. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, as few people seem to know about it.
Head to the fourth floor and find the set of glass doors leading out for views over St Georges Hall and across the city rooftops.
I made the rookie error of not capturing any decent pictures to share, but you can find full details and images here.
Liverpool Central Library & Surrounds
The inside of the library is stunning, but don’t just explore the interior. The imposing exterior of old stone and ornate gates is just as beautiful.
You’ll find the library on historic William Brown Street in the St Georges Quarter. Alongside the library, this part of Liverpool is full of beautiful and interesting places including The World Museum, St Georges Hall and the Walker Art Gallery. Well worth a wander.
Liverpool Central Library is also just a stones throw from Liverpool Lime Street main rail station, a hub for long distance and local trains, making it a very convenient place to begin or end your time in the city.
We had a long day in Liverpool due to catching the night sailing Liverpool-Belfast which doesn’t depart until late. We visited the library at the end of the day when almost all the other Liverpool visitor attractions had closed. The nearby train station made an onward connection to the port at Birkenhead very straightforward. The extended opening and warm welcome at Liverpool Central Library is great for visitors and locals alike!
Liverpool Central Library: Location, Facilities & Opening Times.
Find Liverpool Central Library on William Brown Street. The library is free to visit.
There is a small cafe in the library, toilets available and free WiFi. There’s also a dedicated area for children.
The Library is open 9.00 am- 8.00pm, Mon-Friday and 9.00am-5.00pm Saturday.
So, Liverpool Central Library. So much more than books. Free to visit and full of delightful surprises. Have I inspired you to plan your own visit?
If you’re looking for more things to do in Liverpool, you might also enjoy these posts:
Explore Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building: The RLB 360 Tour
Unforgettable Beatles Tour Experience in Liverpool
Helen x
I was born in Liverpool and have never seen this beautiful library. You have inspired me to visit one day. A monument to when we revered libraries and learning.
I hope you make it for a visit soon, it’s a wonderful city.
I too shared your joy when discovering the treasure trove that is Liverpool Central Library. I think that in a city crowded with choices for Top Site, this is right up there as a contender. Even though, unlike you, I didn’t know about the cryptic puzzle. Thanks for the memories!
So pleased you managed to fit in a visit to Liverpool Central Library. It’s gorgeous isn’t it!
Of course, you had me at the word Library! This looks a beautiful example.
Love how it mixes modern design with those gorgeous historic rooms. Definitely adding Liverpool Central Library to my must-visit list next time I’m in the city!
Dear Helen
Actually, you have inspired us to visit Liverpool’s Central Library. Like you, we love to visit libraries and were impressed by Dublin with all its old libraries.
We like illuminated manuscripts, but especially those from the Carolingian period (interesting collection in the Stiftsbibliothek of St. Gallen and the Herzog August Bibliothek of Wolfenbüttel, one of the oldest libraries in the world).
Anyway, thanks a lot for introducing us to Liverpool’s Central Library
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
This has to be one of the most amazing and beautiful libraries that I have seen in a long time. Whenever I travel, I try to visit as many libraries as I possibly can. I have to add this one to my wish list. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
I visited this library some years ago, for work reasons, and was very impressed, especially by the way they have modernised an old building to meet present day needs but not lost any of its historic character 🙂
I loved that too, it’s been really well done.
What a beautiful library!
What a building!! I had no idea it was so beautiful, AND with a rooftop terrace – perfect!
A very impressive building and interesting to know there is a roof terrace with views too. Quickly heading back to your link for a look!
It’s a fantastic building, great place to drop in if you’re ever in Liverpool 😊
What a beautiful library.
This is a beautiful facility, Helen. Great shots. Definitely one of those places where looking around and looking up are equally intriguing and entertaining.
This is stunning! I have been to Liverpool many years ago for a couple of days and thought I had seen many parts of the city but I was wrong, this looks really amazing!
You’d never guess from the outside at what lies within. Definitely worth a visit if you are ever back in Liverpool.