100 years old!
The Central Library celebrates its 100th birthday in 2010 - find out how we are celebrating its centenary.
The Central Library has been transformed with a lovely new children's library, a new layout, a drinks machine and more comfortable seating. It's lighter and brighter making it easier to browse for books, DVDs and CDs and to use the computers. If you haven't been for a while- please pop in and see the changes.
The Central Library is the largest public library in Northamptonshire. Over 1,000 people visit us every day. We have a huge range of books, audio books on CD and tape, CDs, and DVDs available for loan. We specialise in drama, information, local history and music.
Jobseeker drop-in sessions
If you are looking for a job, it may help to attend one of our jobseeker drop-in sessions. These sessions are aimed at helping you to:
- create a CV and an email account
- search for jobs and apply online
- write a covering letter
- browse the library for relevant books and information
The sessions take place every Friday at Central Library on Abington Street between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
Contact details
| Northamptonshire Central Library |
tel: 01604 462040 |
| Abington Street |
fax: 01604 462055 |
| Northampton |
email: centlib@northamptonshire.gov.uk |
| NN1 2BA |
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| Parking
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Nearest public car park is behind library in the Ridings. This offers short stay (maximum 3 hours), charged for parking.
The Library entrance is on Abington Street, which is pedestrianised. |
Opening hours
| Monday |
8:00am - 6:00pm |
| Tuesday |
8:00am - 6:00pm |
| Wednesday |
8:00am - 6:00pm |
| Thursday |
8:00am - 6:00pm |
| Friday |
8:00am - 6:00pm |
| Saturday |
9:00am - 5:00pm |
| Sunday |
Closed |
Closures for public holidays
All libraries will be closed for the following public holidays:
- Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Monday 5th April 2010
- Monday 3rd May 2010
- Monday 31st May 2010
- Monday 30th August 2010
- Saturday 25th, Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th December
- Saturday 1st January and Monday 3rd January 2011
Services and facilities
| Children, young people and families |
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| Community information posters and leaflets |
- Posters and folders with information about local events are inside the library
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| Community language stock |
- Books in Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu and Vietnamese
- CDs in Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi and Vietnamese
- Cassettes in Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu and Vietnamese
- DVDs in Gujarati and Hindi
- Newspapers and Magazines
- Printed copies in Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu
- Online newspapers from all over the world on the free e-library
- Videos in Hindi
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| Computers and internet |
- 48 computers with broadband internet access, including computers for under 5s
- Colour laser printer
- 2 scanners
- Free e-library service for 1,000s of links to learning, information, leisure and reading websites
- Paid service - only £3 per hour with a minimum charge of £1.00 for up to 20 minutes
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| Disabled access |
- Automatic doors
- Entrance ramp
- Lift on main floor to lower ground floor and top floor
- Reading aids: desktop magnifier, Eezee reader - portable video reader, handheld magnifier, Daylight lamp
- Toilet - access by RADAR key
- Hearing loop
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| Family and local history collections |
- Parish records on microfiche
Special collections on:
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| Fax and photocopiers |
- Fax
- 2 photocopiers: both black and white only
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| For sale |
- Greetings cards
- Jute bags
- Local history publications
- Children's learning posters and work books
- Withdrawn and donated stock
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| Help / information / advice services in the library |
- One to One sessions with a librarian
- Health and wellbeing zone
- Health trainers: Wednesday 9:30am - 12:00pm and Thursday: 1:30 - 4:00pm. To book appointments tel: 0800 085 1988
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| Microfiche and microfilm readers |
- 4 microfiche readers
- 4 microfilm readers
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| Refreshments |
- 2 drinks machines (tea / coffee / hot chocolate plus chilled water on first floor)
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Services |
- Business start-up collection
- Drama and play set hire service
- Environmental Information point
- Health and Wellbeing zone
- Music score hire service
- Geographical Information System (GIS)
- Opportunities Collection for learning and work
- Statistics resources
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| Toilets |
- Fully accessible public toilet. Please ask staff for key
- Nappy changing facilities
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| What's on |
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| Getting involved with your library |
- Friends of the library
- Adult Reading Groups
- Volunteers
- Customer feedback
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