Cumberland Council is pleased to announce the next phase of improvements to Carlisle Library, part of the Carlisle Town Deal investment.
To allow for essential construction work on the first floor, the library will temporarily close at the end of the day on Saturday 1 November. From Monday 10 November, a limited reception service will be available for essential requests, and the full temporary library service will reopen on Monday 1 December.
This short closure marks the midway point of a major refurbishment that is creating a modern learning and community hub, designed to meet the needs of today’s users. The upgraded library will feature a children’s zone, social spaces, adult learning classrooms, study areas, and the return of The Jackson Collection. This closure will allow the first floor to undergo a complete overhaul, including structural improvements and infrastructure updates to support new technology and facilities. During the last five months of construction the second and third floors have been overhauled
During this time, Library closures and service changes, will be as follows:
- Monday 3 November to Saturday 29 November – Carlisle Library will be fully closed however, from Monday 10 November, a limited reception service will be available at Carlisle Library for:
- Hearing aid batteries
- Parking discs
- Blue badge forms
- Book requests and returns
(Please note: browsing, PC access, and bus pass services will be suspended during this time.)
- From Monday 1 December, a temporary library service will resume on the second and third floors of the current building, accessible via Level 3 of The Lanes car park.
- The library will also be closed on the following Wednesdays to support refurbishment works:
- Wednesday 15 October
- Wednesday 22 October
- Wednesday 29 October
- Library links will remain open at Morton Manor, Denton Holme, Harraby, Carlisle West, Longtown, and Brampton, offering book borrowing, PC access, and WiFi.
- Digital services will continue via the BorrowBox app.
- Adult Learning services will operate as normal from the Civic Centre in Carlisle.
- Local history resources are available by appointment at the Carlisle Archive Centre. Visit www.cumberland.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/archives-centres-cumberland for details.
Cumberland Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“This project is a great investment in Carlisle’s future. While there will be some short-term disruption, the long-term benefits will be transformational. The new library will provide modern, welcoming spaces for people of all ages to learn, connect. It will be a true asset for our community for generations to come.”
Updates on designs, contractor announcements, and service changes will be regularly posted on the Cumberland Libraries social media pages and the project website. Frequently asked questions, and project information will also be updated to ensure people have the latest details.
To contact the library team, please email [email protected]
