Carlisle Library

Library closure

Carlisle Library is now back open and welcoming visitors back while major refurbishment work continues. During this phase the first floor is open while the second floor remains closed for refurbishment. We apologise for any noise and disruption over the next 10 to 12 months as we transform the library into a state-of-the-art learning and community hub!

Throughout February, you can still borrow books, access WiFi, and use PCs at other libraries:

• Morton Manor
• Denton Holme
• Harraby
• Longtown
• Brampton

Digital services like BorrowBox and Ancestry remain available.

Learn more and stay updated by visiting the Carlisle Library Transformation web page.

Library facilities

The library provides:

• browsing and borrowing
• computer access
• printing
• photocopying
• loanable storysacks
• loanable dementia bags
• reading group loans
• hearing aid batteries
• local studies services

Virtual tour of Carlisle Library

The virtual tour of Carlisle Library  helps you to see the layout of the library before you visit.

How to get here

The library is in the Lanes shopping centre where there is a car park.

Regular bus service to shopping centre.

Carlisle railway station 10 minutes walk.

Log in to your library account

Here you can search the catalogue, view your library account and renew items.

Login to your library account

If you're not a member, you can apply for a library membership.

Local studies at Carlisle Library

Services available at Carlisle Library for research on local studies.

Due to the current library transformation, access to physical local history resources are currently limited to a select titles.

Microfiche and microfilm readers are not available at this time.

Local History enquiries are currently suspended until the completion of the library transformation.

For any Local History enquiries, please see the Carlisle Archives page.

Apply for a bus pass

You can apply for a bus pass at this library from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you fill in the application form.

Reading groups

If you're not a member of a reading group and you would like to set one up, you can ask for the Reading Group Loan Service as they operate out of this library or contact them.

Events

We offer a range of events across our libraries, such as author talks and learning events.

To browse or book, search our Cumberland Eventbrite page

Activities

A list of activities and events at this library.

Baby Bounce

Drop in session of songs and rhymes for under 3's

When: Baby Bounce sessions in Carlisle Library are currently suspended due to the current library transformation. Baby Bounce has instead been re-located to the following locations and times:

Monday: Morton Library in Morton Community Centre 10:30am to 11am

Thursday: Denton Holme Library in Denton Holme Community Centre 10:30am to 11am

Friday: Harraby Library in Harraby Community Centre 10:30am to 11am

Toddler Time

Drop in session of songs and rhymes for under 5`s

When:  Toddler Time sessions in Carlisle Library are currently suspended due to the current library transformation. Toddler Time will resume when the transformation has been completed.

Lego club

Lego themed fun for children under 10. Please call 01228 227312 to book a place.

When: Lego club in Carlisle Library is currently suspended due to the current library transformation. Lego club will resume when the transformation has been completed.

Crafternoon

Knitting and craft club

When:  Every Thursday 1pm to 3pm

Please note tables within the library are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and an area for any clubs cannot be guaranteed.

English cafe

A friendly environment to speak and learn English, play games, have a coffee and explore our resources. For people who do not speak English as their first language

When: Wednesday 1pm to 3pm

Age UK reminiscence sessions

Join us for a wander down memory lane over a cup of tea with a friendly chat.

When: first Friday of the month 10:30am to 12:30pm

Health and wellbeing support

This library provides:

• specialist collection of books and DVDs to answer questions on autism
• dementia resource bags - these are aimed for use at home with individuals or family members affected by dementia to promote reminiscence or discussions

Read more on our health and wellbeing support page.

Books that can help with your health and wellbeing

Books can be recommended by GPs or other health professionals from the relevant Reading Well list.

Reading Well collections available at Carlisle library:

• Reading Well for mental health
• Reading Well for children
• Reading Well for teens
• Reading Well for dementia
• Reading Well for long term conditions

The books can be borrowed and requested free of charge.

Read more on our health and wellbeing support page.