Central Library

The Central Library serves as the main resource library for the system.

It houses the major library departments, including: Customer Service, Community Reference, Special Collections, Youth Services, Document Delivery, Collection Maintenance, Library Outreach, and all of the Administrative departments.

Services

In-Person Events

Thu, September 28, 9:30 am
Thu, September 28, 10:30 am
Sat, September 30, 2:00 pm

Online Events

At this location

Departments

Click through for department hours and more information:

* Hours differ from Library building hours. Please check departmental pages for details.

Services & Equipment

Please note: Due to social distancing guidelines, some computers will be unavailable.

Parking

The Central Library parking garage is located directly west of the Central Library building on the northwest corner of 10th & Baltimore. The Community Bookshelf is a striking feature of the south wall of the Central Library's parking garage. It is open 7 days a week.

Please note: The Central Library parking garage has a maximum 8' (eight foot) clearance.

Learn more about Central Library's parking system »

Cost to Park

Monday – Friday
  • 1 hour free with validation from machines inside the library.
  • $1 every 20 minutes (or portion thereof) with a maximum charge per day of $10.
  • $5 for the day if you arrive prior to 8:00 a.m. (Validation not available)
  • $5 after Library closing hours.
Weekends
  • Free with validation during library hours.
  • $5 before & after library hours.
Library events outside of normal operating hours
  • For earlier morning events, tickets are dispensed 30 minutes before the event begins.
  • For later evening events, tickets are dispensed through the end of the event.


Rooftop Terrace

Central Rooftop Terrace featuring chess board and native plants

The Rooftop Terrace offers patrons a self-guided tour of the cityscape to the west, east, and south of the Central Library. Six information panels explain the past and present of the immediate surroundings, including how early planners carved the city from 80-foot bluffs, and the proper terms for the architectural flourishes on nearby buildings, such as modillion, festoon, and flora. Also enjoy the native plant garden and a game of chess with the Library’s famous giant chess pieces.

The Rooftop Terrace, on the fifth floor of the Central Library, is open during regular hours.


Central Youth Services

Entrance to the children's area colorful staircase surrounded by giant book pages

With over 30,000 books, DVDs, audio books and magazines, from our early literacy space to our teen room, there's something for everyone birth to 18 (and their parents, caregivers and teachers) on the second floor.

Central Youth Services is open during regular Library hours.

To contact Central Youth Services, call 816.701.3447