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 time | End time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9am | 6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am | 6pm |
| Wednesday | 9am | 7pm |
| Thursday | 9am | 6pm |
| Friday | 9am | 6pm |
| Saturday | 10am | 4pm |
Contact
Inclusion
Wheelchair access
Easy access with an accessible entrance at ground level, plus lifts to all floors and accessible toilets on every level.
Gallery

