Cardiff Libraries: Locations, Opening Hours and Services

Cardiff libraries provide free access to books, digital resources, public computers and community facilities across the Welsh capital. Managed by Cardiff Council, the city’s library network also offers reading activities, local history resources, online newspapers, e-books and practical advice services.

Public libraries in Cardiff serve residents, students, families, jobseekers and people researching local heritage. Visitors can use their nearest library or Hub for reading, learning, digital access and selected council-supported services.

What are Cardiff libraries and how do they work?

Cardiff libraries are public learning and community facilities managed by Cardiff Council. They provide access to books, digital reading, computers, information and activities. Residents can join free of charge, borrow eligible resources and use online services through their library account.

The Cardiff library network combines traditional lending services with facilities designed to support modern community needs. Libraries provide printed books, reading materials and access to digital information. Many locations also operate as Hubs, bringing library services together with other forms of community support.

A public library is an institution that makes reading, information and learning resources available to the community. In Cardiff, these services support literacy, independent learning, digital inclusion and access to reliable information.

Cardiff Council’s Hubs and Libraries Strategy for 2024–2029 sets out priorities for reading and culture, trusted information, cost-of-living assistance, digital inclusion, employment support, young people’s development and wellbeing. It also identifies inclusive community spaces and outreach as important parts of service delivery.

The network serves people with different requirements. A student can use online reference resources, a parent can find children’s books, a jobseeker can access a public computer, and a local historian can research Cardiff’s past.

Where are the main Cardiff libraries located?

Cardiff has libraries and community Hubs serving neighbourhoods throughout the city. Central Library Hub provides a central option, while local branches serve communities across Cardiff. Residents should use Cardiff Council’s official directory to confirm addresses, opening hours and available facilities before travelling.

Cardiff’s library services are distributed across neighbourhoods, allowing residents to access facilities closer to home rather than travelling to the city centre. The council’s online directory provides the current location information and opening times.

Central Library Hub

Central Library Hub is located at The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1FL. Its central location makes it a useful option for people visiting the city centre for work, shopping, education or other activities.

Visitors can consult the official listing to check its current opening hours, facilities and service arrangements. Opening times and the availability of individual facilities should be confirmed before a planned visit.

Cathays Branch and Heritage Library

Cathays Branch and Heritage Library serves the Cathays area and provides a local access point for library services. Its heritage role also makes it relevant to people interested in historical information and research.

Residents should consult the council directory for its current address, opening hours and available services. Researchers seeking more detailed historical material should also investigate the relevant local studies and archive collections.

Local libraries and community Hubs

Cardiff’s wider network includes neighbourhood facilities such as Ely and Caerau Hub and other local library locations. These facilities help residents access reading resources, community information and selected support services closer to their homes.

The facilities available at each location are not necessarily identical. Computer access, printing, meeting rooms and specialist collections depend on the branch and the service offered.

For the most accurate location information, use the official Cardiff Council Hubs and Libraries directory. Search by area and check the individual listing before setting out.

How can residents join a Cardiff library?

Residents can join a Cardiff library free of charge online or in person at a Hub or library. Online registration provides a user ID for accessing services. People joining in person need proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence.

Cardiff Council offers two main registration routes. Online registration is suitable for people who want to access eligible services without first visiting a branch. In-person registration allows staff to assist with membership and explain the available facilities.

Joining online

Online registration provides a user ID for logging in to supported services. A physical library card is not required for online registration, although members can obtain one from a local Hub or library.

Joining in person

People registering at a library should bring suitable proof of identity. Cardiff Council lists documents such as a passport, driving licence, utility bill, bank statement or student identification. Check the official joining guidance if you are unsure whether a particular document is accepted.

Library membership gives users access to eligible borrowing and digital services. Some facilities are free, while selected services, including certain physical audio materials and printing, carry charges.

Membership also supports online account management, including searching for books, making reservations and renewing eligible loans. Members should keep their library card details and PIN secure because these credentials are used to access some digital resources.

What books and borrowing services do Cardiff libraries offer?

Cardiff libraries provide printed books and other reading materials for different ages and interests. Members can search the online catalogue, reserve available titles and renew eligible loans. Where supported, requested items can be collected locally, helping readers access resources beyond their nearest branch.

Printed books remain a central part of public library provision. Collections support leisure reading, education, language development, research and lifelong learning.

Adult and children’s books

Library collections serve adults and younger readers. Adult collections support fiction, non-fiction and general information needs. Children’s collections encourage early literacy, independent reading and family participation in learning.

Parents and carers can use library catalogues to identify suitable reading materials before visiting. Teachers can also contact their local branch to discuss class visits and arrangements for borrowing larger numbers of books for educational use.

Reservations and renewals

Cardiff Council provides an online catalogue that allows members to search, reserve and renew eligible resources. If a title is not available at a reader’s usual branch, staff can explain whether it can be requested from another location.

Members should check their account before the due date and respond to reservation notifications. When another reader reserves a borrowed item, the current borrower might need to return it rather than continue renewing it.

The council states that eligible physical resources continue to renew automatically when the borrower has not finished with them, subject to the applicable lending rules. Automatic renewal is not a reason to ignore account notifications or reservation requests.

Which digital services can Cardiff library members access?

Cardiff library members can access e-books, e-audiobooks, digital newspapers, magazines and selected online reference resources. The council supports services including BorrowBox, Libby by OverDrive and PressReader. A library card number and PIN are required for access to supported digital platforms.

Digital services let members read and listen without travelling to a branch. They are useful for commuters, students, people with limited mobility and readers who prefer electronic formats.

BorrowBox

BorrowBox provides digital books, audiobooks and electronic newspapers and magazines through participating library services. Cardiff Council states that members can borrow up to 10 e-books, 10 e-audiobooks and 50 ePress titles at one time through BorrowBox. Most items have a borrowing period of up to 14 days.

Users can access the service through a compatible app or browser. Availability depends on the digital collection and the platform’s borrowing rules.

Libby by OverDrive

Libby provides access to e-books and e-audiobooks. Cardiff Council states that members can reserve or download up to 16 e-books and e-audiobooks through Libby, with borrowing periods of up to 21 days.

The service supports reading and listening through compatible devices and web access. The council notes that Amazon Kindle is not compatible with its listed digital library services, so readers should check device compatibility before choosing a platform.

PressReader

PressReader provides digital newspapers and magazines. Cardiff library members can use the service to access participating publications on compatible devices or through a web browser.

Digital newspapers and magazines give readers another way to follow current affairs, local reporting and wider public-interest topics without relying exclusively on printed copies.

Online reference resources

Cardiff libraries provide access to selected research resources, including IELTS materials, historical newspaper collections, The Times Digital Newspaper Archive and information for the Life in the UK test.

Some genealogy resources, including Find My Past and Ancestry.com Library Edition, are available only on computers inside Hubs and libraries, according to the council’s service information.

These resources support academic work, family history, language learning and personal research. Members should check the access conditions for each database because remote access is not available for every resource.

Can visitors use computers, Wi-Fi and printing facilities at Cardiff libraries?

Cardiff libraries provide free public computer access at designated locations, with internet access and Microsoft Office applications. Free Wi-Fi is available at all libraries except Tongwynlais. Printing is also offered, with charges applying to printed pages and other specified services.

Public computers help residents access online services, complete applications, prepare documents and undertake research. These facilities are particularly relevant to people who do not have reliable internet access or suitable equipment at home.

Booking a public computer

Cardiff Council allows members to book a computer up to eight days in advance at supported locations. Users need their library card number and PIN to make a booking.

Residents should check the individual branch listing to confirm computer availability and any local arrangements. A library visit is also an opportunity to ask staff for help locating digital resources or using the catalogue.

Printing and photocopying

Printing and photocopying are available for a fee. Cardiff Council’s published charges include the following examples:

• A4 black-and-white printing: 40p per sheet.
• A4 colour printing: £1.35 per sheet.
• A3 black-and-white printing: 60p per sheet.
• A3 colour printing: £1.80 per sheet.

Wi-Fi printing is available at council libraries except Tongwynlais, according to the published service information. Users can send a document to a supported library printer through the council’s booking system.

What activities and community facilities do Cardiff libraries provide?

Cardiff libraries and Hubs support reading groups, school visits, children’s activities, community engagement and room hire at participating locations. These facilities extend library services beyond borrowing books by providing spaces for learning, shared activities and community participation. Availability varies by branch and programme.

Community activities are an important part of Cardiff Council’s library strategy. The 2024–2029 strategy identifies literacy, cultural participation, inclusive spaces and support for children and young people as service priorities.

Reading groups

Cardiff libraries support reading groups by helping people find existing groups, publicise new groups and identify suitable reading materials. The council also offers participating groups up to 15 copies of the same title for a period of up to six weeks.

These arrangements help book clubs discuss a shared title without each participant needing to purchase a separate copy. People interested in starting a group should contact their local branch to discuss available support.

School visits and children’s learning

Cardiff libraries welcome school visits and encourage teachers to contact their local Hub or library to make arrangements. Teachers can also enquire about special borrowing accounts for classroom use and reading-group collections containing multiple copies of selected children’s titles.

School visits provide a structured way for pupils to become familiar with library collections, develop research habits and explore reading beyond the classroom.

Community rooms and meeting facilities

Selected Cardiff Hubs and libraries offer rooms and meeting facilities for hire. These spaces support eligible community meetings and group activities, subject to the location’s facilities, availability and hiring conditions.

Anyone organising a meeting should check the relevant Hub listing for room sizes, booking arrangements, charges and accessibility information.

How do Cardiff libraries support local history and family research?

Cardiff libraries support historical research through local studies resources, digital newspaper collections and access to specialist reference materials. Cathays Library has a local studies department, while Glamorgan Archives provides further resources for family history and research into the history of Cardiff and the surrounding area.

Local history research involves examining records, publications and other evidence to understand how a place and its communities have changed. Libraries help researchers identify useful sources and access historical material.

Local studies at Cathays Library

The local studies department at Cathays Library provides a specialist point of reference for people investigating local history. Cardiff Council publishes separate charges for some services, including staff research, reproduction and digital images.

Researchers should check the current fees before requesting staff-assisted research or copies of materials. Reproduction conditions can also differ depending on whether the material is used by an individual, a non-profit organisation or a commercial organisation.

Digital newspapers and family history

Online newspaper archives provide a way to investigate historical events, communities and published accounts. Cardiff library members can access selected digital newspaper resources through the council’s electronic services. Some genealogy databases require users to visit a library computer rather than log in from home.

These resources can help people trace historical references to family members, investigate changes in neighbourhoods or research events recorded in the press.

Glamorgan Archives

Glamorgan Archives is a separate archival resource linked from Cardiff Council’s library information. It supports research into family history and the history of the local area.

Library collections and archival collections serve related but distinct purposes. Libraries provide general reading and reference resources, while archives preserve records for historical research. Researchers should identify the type of evidence they need before deciding which service to contact.

What advice and support services are available through Cardiff Hubs and libraries?

Cardiff Hubs and libraries connect residents with information and advice services, including support relating to household finances, benefits, grants and discounts. Cardiff Council’s wider strategy also identifies employment assistance, digital inclusion, wellbeing and outreach as priorities across the network.

The Hub model combines traditional library facilities with selected community support services. Residents can use the council’s online information to identify which services are offered locally.

Cost-of-living and benefits information

Cardiff Council identifies advice on managing money and accessing benefits, grants and discounts among the services connected with its Hubs and libraries.

Residents seeking financial support should check the council’s current eligibility guidance and the relevant service contact details. A library membership card does not automatically establish eligibility for benefits or grants; each support programme has its own rules.

Employment and digital inclusion

The Cardiff Hubs and Libraries Strategy 2024–2029 identifies employability support, mentoring, training and digital inclusion among its aims. These priorities address barriers to using online services and developing skills for work.

Public computers and internet access provide a practical starting point for people who need to complete online forms, prepare applications or access information about employment and training.

Wellbeing and inclusive provision

The council’s strategy also identifies health and wellbeing, inclusive spaces and activities for young people as areas of focus. The exact services available depend on the location and any programmes operating at the time.

Residents should check the current Hub information before travelling specifically for an advice session, community activity or wellbeing service.

Do Cardiff libraries offer services for people who cannot visit in person?

Cardiff Council operates a free housebound library service for eligible residents who cannot travel to a library or carry books home because of illness, disability, recovery or long-term isolation. The service delivers and collects books and audiobooks across Cardiff, generally on a four-week cycle.

The housebound service helps people continue reading when visiting a public library is difficult or impractical. It is intended for residents whose circumstances prevent them from using normal in-person borrowing arrangements.

How the home delivery service works

Council staff contact eligible residents to discuss their needs and reading preferences. Participants can provide a list of requested titles or ask staff to select suitable books. The service includes ordinary-print books, large-print books and audiobooks.

The council generally calls every four weeks to deliver and collect materials. Members who have internet access can also reserve preferred titles online for delivery when available.

Accessible reading resources

Cardiff’s electronic reading resources include accessibility features such as support for screen readers, including VoiceOver and TalkBack. The council also states that spoken-word materials are available free of charge to people with visual disabilities and print disabilities such as dyslexia.

People who require particular accessibility arrangements should contact their local library or consult the relevant digital platform’s guidance before choosing a resource.

What are the borrowing rules and fees at Cardiff libraries?

Cardiff libraries provide free membership and free borrowing of eligible books and e-books, while selected services carry charges. Fees apply to some printed materials, replacement cards, photocopying and overdue items. Members should check the council’s current fee schedule for the rules applicable to each resource.

Understanding borrowing rules helps members manage their accounts and avoid unexpected charges. Different resource types have different loan periods and fee arrangements.

Overdue items and renewals

Cardiff Council’s published fees include a charge of 25p per day for overdue non-children’s books, capped at £10, and 45p per day for spoken-word CD audiobooks, also capped at £10. Music recordings are listed at 65p per week for late returns.

The applicable rules depend on the type of material borrowed. Members should use their online accounts to monitor due dates and check whether a renewal has been completed.

Replacement library cards

The council’s published schedule lists replacement card charges of £5 for adults and £2 for children. The first replacement card is free.

Members who lose a card should contact their local Hub or library to check the appropriate procedure and protect access to their account.

Checking current charges

The official Cardiff libraries and Hubs fees and charges page provides details of published charges for borrowing certain resources, printing, photocopying and local studies services. Because charges and policies can change, the latest council information takes precedence over older figures.

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How can visitors check Cardiff library opening hours and available services?

Visitors can check Cardiff library opening hours, addresses and branch-specific facilities through Cardiff Council’s official Hubs and Libraries directory. Checking the individual listing before travelling helps confirm current opening times, computer availability, local events and access to specific services.

Opening hours and facilities differ between locations. A service available at one library is not automatically available at every branch.

Before visiting, residents should identify the nearest suitable location and check its official listing. People planning to use a public computer, attend an event, hire a room or consult specialist resources should confirm the relevant arrangements in advance.

The council also provides an online catalogue for searching, reserving and renewing materials. Members who need help with their PIN or digital services can use the council’s library services information to find the appropriate contact route.

Why do Cardiff libraries remain important for residents?

Cardiff libraries support literacy, education, digital access, local research and community participation through a combination of physical collections and online services. Their role also includes outreach, inclusive provision and access to information, making the network relevant to residents at different stages of life.

The value of a public library extends beyond its collection of books. Residents can use library facilities to develop reading habits, access digital publications, research local history and obtain information about public services.

For children and families, libraries provide access to reading materials and educational activities. Students and independent learners benefit from reference resources and public computers. Older residents and people with disabilities can use accessible reading formats and, when eligible, the housebound delivery service.

Cardiff Council’s 2024–2029 strategy also connects libraries with digital inclusion, employment support, wellbeing and community engagement. These priorities demonstrate the continuing role of the network in meeting changing local needs.

For Cardiff residents, the most practical approach is to identify a nearby library, register for free membership and explore the services available there. The council’s online directory and catalogue provide the main routes for checking locations, borrowing materials and accessing digital resources.