Peterborough’s Central Library is getting a £6 million makeover but for regular visitors, the immediate question is much simpler: where do you go for your books,

computers and library services while the building is closed?

The Broadway library closes at 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026.

 Its temporary replacement, Northminster Library, is scheduled to open on Monday 9 November.

The new location is on the ground floor, East Wing, Northminster House,

Peterborough PE1 1YN, just across the road from the existing library.

What happens during the gap?

There will be approximately a week between the closure of Central Library and the opening of its temporary replacement.

During that period, Peterborough’s other nine libraries will continue operating, along with the mobile library and the digital borrowing service, BorrowBox.

What about borrowed books?

Books borrowed from Central Library from 9 October have been given a five-week loan period to help readers through the move.

Readers can return borrowed items to other Peterborough libraries during the closure, or to Northminster Library once it opens.

Reservations for collection at Central Library are paused from 28 October and are due to resume at Northminster Library on 9 November.

Will all the usual services be available?

The council says that book loans, printing, photocopying, public computers, events and activities will transfer to Northminster Library.

The exception is study rooms, which are not included in the temporary arrangements.

Northminster Library is expected to operate the same opening hours as Central Library.

Why is the library moving?

The council is undertaking a £6 million refurbishment of the Central Library building, with plans for a more modern, flexible space that can accommodate community activities and digital services.

The temporary arrangement is intended to allow library services to continue while the work takes place.

The important dates to remember are 30 October for closure and 9 November for reopening at Northminster House.

For updates, visit Peterborough Libraries & Archives⁠.