Major improvements being made to secure the future of historic library

Built in 1932, the building on Market Square was used as a coaching house, police station and fire station, before becoming a library.

Essential repairs are needed to repair the roof and leaks in the building. Without this work, the long-term use of the building as a library would be at risk. Due to the scale and nature of the repairs, the library must close while the work is carried out.

The building will close to the public on Tuesday 11 August, with work expected to be completed by spring 2027.

Residents are encouraged to use other nearby libraries such as Morecambe, Bolton-le-Sands, Halton, Heysham, Carnforth and Silverdale libraries.

Morecambe library will offer extended opening hours during Lancaster's closure, opening from 9am to 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Lancaster Central's home library service will continue, and regular activities such as Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions will be delivered from White Cross Business Park, South Road, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ.

Residents who have loaned items from Lancaster Central Library do not need to return them before the closure date and can return these to any library in Lancashire.  The return date on items will be automatically extended until later in the year, and fines will be waived during the closure.

Councillor Ella Worthington, cabinet member for Civic Pride, said: 

"Lancaster Central library is one of the busiest in Lancashire, with more than 200,000 visitors last year, so it's vital that we protect this historic building and ensure visitors can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

"We understand that the temporary closure might cause some inconvenience, but we would encourage residents to use other local libraries and continue to join in activities they offer.

"We can't wait to welcome people back inside and show off the new and improved Lancaster Central library when this work is complete."