Nearly 293,000 visitors have stepped through the doors of Nottingham’s Central Library in its first year.
The flagship library, which was built as part of the wider Broad Marsh redevelopment, opened its doors in November 2023 and has gone from strength to strength.
First Year in Numbers:
- More than 292,774 visitors
- Over 660 events
- Over 4,500 people signed up to attend events
- Over 153,597 books borrowed
- Over 43,330 hours of computer usage logged
As well as thousands of visits, the venue’s 660 events include author talks, local history workshops, and vibrant cultural performances, such as its popular cabaret evenings – Sound at Central – which has featured singers, poets, and even a visit from the Black British Ballet for Windrush Day.
The events programme in the last year has had over 4,500 people sign up to attend, and this doesn’t even include all the people who attended children’s activities, local studies sessions, or partnership events.
The diverse programme of events and features like the Immersive Room and Exhibition Space have played a key role in the library’s success, drawing people from all backgrounds and areas.
In addition to these events, over 153,597 books have been borrowed, and over 43,330 hours of computer usage have been logged, further cementing the library’s position as an essential community resource.
To celebrate its first anniversary, the library is hosting a 1st Birthday Bash. People are invited to come down on Saturday 30 November, from 10am to 2pm, in the children’s area of the library for a party.
There will be games in the immersive room, crafts and board games in the creative lab, plus party games with prizes up for grabs and take-home gifts.
Speaking about celebrating one year since the library’s opening, Executive Member for Libraries, Cllr Sam Lux, said:
“Nottingham Central Library has become a wonderful cultural hub in the heart of the city. I am thrilled that so many people have visited and attended our events.
“Every day we are busy, with people reading, working, enjoying the café or children’s areas. The events over the last year have been extraordinarily popular, ranging from ballet recitals to rap shows, which have drawn in different crowds from across the city.
“The new building hosts a stunning children’s library with an immersive storytelling room that helps bring books to life. It has been so lovely seeing families enjoy these areas and popping outside to use the new play area.
“I believe we have created an exceptional library that caters for everyone in the community. I hope many more people will come down to visit us over the next year.”
The library offers regular activities, including sessions with the Read Easy organisation supporting adult literacy, Knit and Natter groups, Work Clubs, Messy Play, Tots Times, Conversation Café, poetry performances, and local history research workshops.
The library also provides two key service offerings: Local Studies and the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Nottinghamshire. The BIPC provides free business support to start-up owners, entrepreneurs, and inventors across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, and neighbouring areas.
2025 is looking exciting at the library, with lots of events planned. You can read more about the library and future events here.
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