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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I am using the library to study, I am very disapointed because visitors are allowed to visit in large numbers in the quiet study room disturbing everybody. Today there were groups of 30 people plus, very noisy and taking photos. Announcements were made through the tannoy regarding events held within the building. I have wasted a good study day. Thank you very much, I will not re-use. Hope the popularity brings enough income to create a safe space for people who want to use the library for its primary purpose.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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

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!

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.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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.

Why the hell i didn’t come here to do my homework all the time when I was at school in the city I just don’t know. The Picton reading room is so grand and ornate, one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. Keeping spaces like this free for all to access is so important, well done to all involved in reopening post-lockdown.

Well it is a library, there is a museum next to it, you have free wifi, lots of space, computers and very good reception people. A coffee shop and you can also ask for souvenirs at the desk. The membership is free and they have a lot of books.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I dropped here purposely to see the incredible interior after checking out reviews. I was not disappointed. I’m fact I’m so envious of those who can access the facilities at the drop of a hat. It’s modern, it’s Georgian and highly technical with old fashioned charm. You can happily use this as your hideaway all day.

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.

The Central Library offers a vast array of book options, catering to diverse interests. The extensive collection spans genres, making it a haven for avid readers. However, a fifth star would be earned if they expanded their selection even further to include more niche subjects.
Visited on
Weekend

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

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.

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

What a delightful place. well worth visit. We'd recommend going to the top of the building to the roof terrace. Stunning view.The onsight cafe had a great selection of food. Friendly staff.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

One of the buildings that make me very proud to live in Liverpool. Modern building with amazing architecture, friendly staff, cosy atmosphere and a great collection of books. Great place to study, work or simply browse for a new book to read.

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.

Superb building with great facilities. Recommend taking the stairs to the loft view terrace for a fine view of the Liverpool skyline.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Phenomenal collection of original manuscripts dating around 18th century to now. A must do on your visit to Liverpool. Free entry
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

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!

Fantastic public resource with an excellent selection of books. The rooftop terrace makes this an absolute must visit place if you love reading. Really honoured to have it in the city.

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 …

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*

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!

People of Liverpool -you are blessed to have access to such a wonderful building
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

A walk in Liverpool center brought me to the Central Library. What an amazing place. It's a must see.