Whitehaven Library

Library facilities

The library provides:

• browsing and borrowing
• computer access
• printing
• loanable storysacks
• loanable dementia bags
• reading group loans
• photocopying
• hearing aid batteries
• free requests
• toilets
• in person activities and events
• Nowcard
• free WIFI

How to get here

The library is in the town centre adjacent to the Civic Hall.

There is no parking at the library.

There's a regular 20 minute bus service between Whitehaven and Workington.

The library is a 10 minute walk from the train station.

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.

Apply for a bus pass

You can apply for a bus pass at this library. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you fill in the application form.

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 at this library.

Jigsaw

Wednesday Jig. Join us every Wednesday while we are open, for a communal jigsaw experience. Drop-in and pop in some pieces, while soaking up our warm and inviting environment.

When: Every Wednesday 9am to 5pm

English Café

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:  Every Tuesday in term time 10am to 12pm

Rhyme Time

Regular rhyme sessions for under 5`s with their parents and carers.

When: Every Monday in term time 10am to 10.45am

Chatterbooks

A fun, free and friendly reading group with great books and related activities. Age guide for reading 8 to 11.

When:  First Wednesday of the month 3.45pm to 4.45pm.

Lego Club

Lego themed fun for children over 5. Please note this is an unsupervised activity so parents and carers need to stay and join in with the construction work.

When: Every 2 weeks on a Tuesday 3.30pm to 5pm.

Social @ the library

Come along and join us to meet new people, chat and enjoy varied activity sessions.

When: First Wednesday of the month 10.30am to 12pm.

Intergenerational chess club

All ages welcome: learn with others, or share your skills with other generations (under 8`s to be accompanied).

When: Second and Fourth Monday of the month 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Game Club

From Pokémon to Dungeons and Dragons and much more,  team up with West Coast Games to deliver a fantastic game club! All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Every Thursday 4pm to 6pm.

Board games

Drop-in to play board games - for all ages (children to be accompanied by adults).

When: Every Wednesday 1pm to 3pm.

Databank drop-in

For those struggling to afford an internet connection, drop in to be set up with a free mobile sim (6 month validity).

When: Every Thursday 10am to 12pm.

Knit and Natter

Do you like knitting? sewing? socialising? learning something new? come and join us.

When: Every Tuesday 1pm to 3pm.

Climate change book group

A friendly, local reading group that`s committed to building up knowledge on the climate crisis. Books supplied free by Cumberland Libraries.

When: Every second Tuesday of the month 4pm to 5pm.

Sensory Space

Enjoy our multi-sensory resources suitable for those with autism and sensory needs in a supportive environment.

When: Every Friday 1.30pm to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 1.30pm.

Story Tots

When: Thursday during term time 2pm to 2.30pm.

Saturday Storycise

When: Every Saturday 11am to 12pm.

Health and wellbeing support

This library provides:

• Macmillan cancer drop-in and cancer awareness - this is through the Macmillan Cancer information Project
• 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

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 Whitehaven 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.