Nottingham Central Library

Your local hub for books, a vibrant children’s library, free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, and community events.

Overview

Welcome to Nottingham Central Library

Your welcoming city-centre hub for reading, learning, and community events. Whether you are looking for your next great read, a quiet place to work, or a fun space for the family, we are here to help.

Books & Reading

Explore our extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction, and reference titles for all reading tastes. We offer regular new releases alongside timeless classics, large-print editions, audiobooks, and books in multiple languages.

Children’s Library

Located on the Ground Floor, we feature a dedicated, family-friendly children’s library stocked with picture books, early readers, and teen fiction. Young visitors can also enjoy our Immersive Room and a welcoming space designed to spark imagination and a love of reading from an early age.


Floor-by-Floor Guide

Ground Floor

  • Children’s Library & Immersive Room: Family-friendly reading and interactive spaces.
  • Library Lounge & Computers: Public computers and relaxed seating areas.
  • Café: Run by Bean Culture, serving snacks, light bites, and hot and cold drinks.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

First Floor

  • Fiction Collection: Novels across all genres, including large-print editions and audiobooks.
  • Local Studies Library: Books, archives, periodicals, newspapers, photographs, maps, and family history resources.
  • Exhibition Space: Dedicated gallery area showcasing local art, history, and community displays.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets for disabled visitors.

Second Floor

  • Non-Fiction Collection & Computers: Reference materials, study books, and public workstations.
  • Business & IP Centre: Resources, market research tools, and support for entrepreneurs, innovators, and business enquiries.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets for disabled visitors.

Facilities & Services

  • Accessibility: Easy access with an accessible entrance at ground level, plus lifts to all floors and accessible toilets on every level.
  • Air Conditioning: The library is fully air-conditioned, making it a comfortable place to read, study, use a computer, or take a break during warm weather.
  • Study Spaces: Dedicated desks are available for studying, working, or quiet reading.
  • Room Hire: Meeting rooms can be booked for community events, workshops, and private gatherings.

Technology & Printing

  • Computers: Public computers equipped with Windows 11 and Microsoft Office 2024 are available.
  • Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet provided by GovWifi.
  • Printing & Scanning: Photocopier and scanner available on-site. Print documents directly in the library, or send documents to print from home using Princh (Printer ID: 106084 – Ground Floor, Left-Hand Printer).

Bean Culture Café Opening Hours (ground floor)

  • Monday: 9am to 5:30pm
  • Tuesday: 9am to 5:30pm
  • Wednesday: 9am to 6:30pm
  • Thursday: 9am to 5:30pm
  • Friday: 9am to 5:30pm
  • Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Times and availability

Day(s)Start timeEnd time
Monday9am6pm
Tuesday9am6pm
Wednesday9am7pm
Thursday9am6pm
Friday9am6pm
Saturday10am4pm

Contact

Address

Nottingham Central Library
1 Carrington Street,
Nottingham
NG1 7FH
Get directions

Inclusion

Wheelchair access

Has provisionYes

Easy access with an accessible entrance at ground level, plus lifts to all floors and accessible toilets on every level.

Gallery

Exterior

Last updated: 13 November 2026