Liverpool Central Library

I love reading books, in fact I have a whole new blog to talk about them: Coffee & Books. As I’m reading a lot of books, most of them are borrowed from the library, not only is much cheaper, but I don’t have to think where to store all the books. The bookshelves are not enough for the books I have at the moment. I need to add a few more. I’ve signed up to the Liverpool library service and now I get most of the books I’m reading from Liverpool Central Library.

I think the atrium staircase is the most recognizable feature of the Liverpool Central Library.

Liverpool Central Library was renovated and opened again in 2013. It’s one of the largest in Britain. It’s in the city centre, near St George’s Hall, The Walker Art Gallery, and World Museum. At the third floor is the Liverpool Record Office. It’s a service I’ve used when I did a bit of research for a task I had for a volunteering job.

This is a room on the ground floor, near the entrance. The decor looks very different from the ones on the first floor. On the ground floor there is also a Costa coffee shop.

The Picton Reading Room is at the first floor. It’s a quite place, where people can study. This room is named after Sir James Picton. A self-made man, Picton was the first chairman of the library and museum committee. The committee was founded in 1851. Sir Picton remained in this position until his death, in 1889.

On the first floor there are computers for people who need access to the internet. Sadly I always find that half of the people are spending time on facebook instead of doing actual work. I think the time they can use the computers is limited though.

This is a bust of Frank Hornby. You’ve might know the name after one of his most famous toys: Hornby model trains. He was a wealthy Liverpudlian, involved in charity projects and he is remembered at Liverpool Central Library. One of the reading rooms is named after him.

Liverpool Central Library is on William Brown Street, L3 8EW. There isn’t free parking in the area, but there are a few car parks available. Joining the library is free for people living in Liverpool. With the library pass, you can use any library in the city. Sometimes I have to go to other libraries to find exactly the book I want to read. Also I can order to pick it up from my local library for a small fee (less than £1).
Anybody can get up to 14 books at a time. Renewal of books borrowed can be made online for a couple of times.