Keswick Library

Overview

Keswick Library is a small library in the market town of Keswick in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. Not only does Keswick Library house a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction books, it also hosts regular events and activities. This makes it the perfect place to spend a couple of hours of enjoyment on a rainy day in Keswick.

Children will love the kids’ play area and practising their building skills in Lego Club, while adults can find some peace and quiet taking part in mindful activities such as colouring and putting together jigsaws.

Solo travellers can pick a book of their choice from the shelves and spend a few hours reading or using the computers here.

Keswick Library opening times

Monday – Thursday: 9.30am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 5pm

Friday and Saturday: 9.30am to 12pm

Is Keswick Library accessible?

Yes, Keswick Library offers disabled access. The doors are automatic, and all the public areas are on the ground floor with step-free access.

Where can I get something to eat near Keswick Library?

As Keswick Library is in the town centre, there are plenty of places to eat nearby. From cosy pubs serving hearty classics to contemporary coffee shops and fine dining restaurants, no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something here.

Cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby include:

Piri Fresco
Star of Siam
Luchinis Ice Cream & Gelato Shop
The Wild Strawberry
Brasserie 31 at Skiddaw Hotel

Keswick Library events and activities

This library isn’t just for bookworms (although they’ll find plenty to love here!). Keswick Library hosts a variety of free activities throughout the week with something to suit both children and adults alike.

Mindful Monday

When: Every Monday, 3pm to 4.30pm

Mondays don’t have to be stressful – you are on holiday after all! If the weather outside is gloomy and outdoor adventures are on hold, a soothing hour spent colouring might be just the ticket.

Health and wellbeing coach drop-in

When: Every Wednesday, 9.30am to 11am

If you’re looking for a bit of support, or you just want to learn more about how to keep yourself healthy, then pop into the library to meet the Cumberland Council Health and Wellbeing Coach. You can ask questions and get advice for a specific issue or your overall health and wellness.

Lego Club

When: Every Wednesday, 3.45pm to 4.45pm

Is there anything that kids love more than Lego? We think not! In the Lego Club at Keswick Library, children aged five and above will love letting their imaginations run wild as they build new creations with the popular little bricks.

Adults can sit together and supervise while the children work together on their building projects.

Board games

When: All day, every Thursday

Enjoy getting competitive with a range of exciting board games. There are games available to suit all ages, so the whole family will love it. Play against one another or make some new friends.

Jigsaws

When: Every Friday, 9.30am to 12pm

If it’s a bit of peace and quiet that you’re after during your stay in Keswick, then make your way over to Keswick Library to spend a while putting together a jigsaw puzzle. This mindful activity will give you time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and the chance to unwind in the peaceful surroundings of the Lake District.

How to get to Keswick Library from YHA Keswick

Keswick Library is around 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometres) from YHA Keswick. The best way to get there is by walking or cycling, so leave the car at the hostel, if you can.

On foot: It’s about an eight-minute walk from YHA Keswick to Keswick Library. From the Youth Hostel, turn right onto Station Road before turning right onto Main Road. Follow the road as it turns to the left by The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas pub and then right.

Turn left by Alpkit Keswick and walk past the Puzzling Place before turning right onto Heads Road and then right onto Heads Lane, where you’ll find the library. Cyclists can take the same or a similar route.

By bus: You can catch a bus from the Keswick Park Hotel, about a two-minute walk from YHA Keswick. Take the X4, 555, or X5 bus, which runs every half an hour. Taking the bus cuts the journey time down to just four minutes.

Driving: Driving to the library from YHA Keswick takes approximately two minutes. There is limited on-road parking adjacent to the library. There are several pay and display car parks in the town centre, although some are further away than the hostel. Car parks nearby include: