Books and reading are one of life’s pleasures. Libraries also host a range of activities for all ages including crafts, computer skills, volunteering and socialising. The Central Library is handily located near the city centre, a short walk from various bus stops and car parks.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- Getting lost in a good book can reduce stress, give you enjoyment, and help you learn about people, places, ideas, and things you didn’t know!
- Libraries are great places to find out about and access things going on in the local community
- Libraries hold events and activities that can be good for socialising with others
‘The library is a lovely space. You can find nooks for quiet reading and studying, or join in all sorts of fun activities – a lot more goes on than you’d think!’
Library user
How to contact
Where to go
Peterborough Central Library
Broadway
Peterborough
PE1 1RX
What to expect?
In the library there is a main desk where you will usually find a friendly and informative library assistant. They can help you find all sorts of information, from particular books to community services.
There are many books in languages other than English which are held at the Central Library; members can check them out in person, or reserve them to be collected at this branch or any other local branch. Instructions on the book check-out machine are available in a large range of languages which can be selected.
The Central Library also houses the Peterborough Archives, where you can find many local historical documents.
In addition to books, audio books, videos and other materials, the library hosts a wide range of activities for all ages, including:
- Children’s Rhyme Time and Storytime with Albert the Alligator
- Computer use and wifi access: free for two hours for members
- Business and Intellectual Property Centre to help people start and grow their own businesses. Central Library offer access to a number of different databases and resources (online and books) to assist people with this
- There are two free-to-use Study Rooms that can be booked
- Three PCs with scanners (non-members will need to pay a small fee to use the computers)
- The Library For, which allows people to borrow household, gardening, IT, and other physical items
Access to the library is wheelchair-friendly.
There are no public toilets.
There is limited on-street paid parking on Park Road; the nearest car parks are Brook Street and North Street, both about a 5 minute walk from the library. There are bus stops on Broad Street outside the Tesco near Westgate, about a 2 minute walk away.
More information
On the libraries website, you will find lots of opportunities to browse online through Peterborough’s 10 sites across the city combined with the mobile library service, or see what other services they run.
People can also enjoy regular activities, access free internet, or enjoy ‘quiet spaces’ to get some peace and quiet to enjoy your reading or study time.
Librarians are also great at helping you find information you need! For example, they have some excellent health and wellbeing books for teens and children.
Volunteer
The library also has a variety of volunteering opportunities, from helping out with activities, to admin, working with books, and more. Contact them to see what is available.
Access to the library and most activities is free.
People must become a member (free) to borrow library materials and use the computers. Find out how to join on their website.
Find opening hours for all the libraries on this page.
If you are not a library member, you can pay a small fee to use the computers.
There are two colour and black-and-white photocopiers, which require a small fee per page.
How to contact
Where to go
Peterborough Central Library
Broadway
Peterborough
PE1 1RX
