Carlisle Library

Carlisle Library is the city's main public library and is reopening on Tuesday 4 August 2026 following a major £3.3 million transformation. The redesigned building is intended to provide a more welcoming mix of reading, learning, children's and community spaces.

New and improved facilities include a dedicated children's zone, adult-learning classrooms, study areas, social spaces and better access to digital services. The library also houses the Jackson Collection of books and material relating to Cumbria and local history.

The central location on Globe Lane is within walking distance of Carlisle's shopping streets, bus station, railway station, cathedral and Tullie. There is no dedicated visitor car park, so use a city-centre public car park and check the current tariff before leaving your vehicle.

Regular published hours are Monday 9am to 5.30pm, Tuesday 10am to 5.30pm, Wednesday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm, and Saturday 9am to 4pm. The library is closed on Sunday. Reopening-week activities or bank holidays may affect access, so check Cumberland Council's library page before travelling.