Find out more about opening times and what services are available at your local library.
In England, face coverings are no longer required by law.
The government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.
Activities, in-person groups and sessions will be gradually reintroduced although we still have plenty of resources available for you to enjoy.
Get in touch with your local library to find out what's on.
Cumberland Libraries continue to offer a Select and Collect service from a number of libraries, with staff putting together a selection of books for you to collect.
Our online services which include free e-books and e-magazines are available with your library membership. Not yet a library member? Sign up now to access our online offer.
To renew an item you can:
- Renew your item online
- Call our 24/7 automated phone line 03033 331 234
- Visit a library - ask a member of staff or use a self-service kiosk.
To return your books, please use the drop box in the library or the self-service kiosks.
We no longer charge for overdue books.
Library memberships must be reviewed and renewed every 3 years if you wish to continue using our services.
This is not an automated service therefore you will be reminded by email to renew your membership before it expires.
If you have not provided an email address you will receive an alert on your account, be prompted when using a self-issue machine or alerted by library staff.
If you do not renew your library membership it will automatically expire.
You can check your personal details at any time by accessing your online library account.
As well as our libraries services, Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal and Whitehaven Archive Centres are open. Visit the Archives website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Please provide identification of you name and address.
If you only want to use our digital online resources you can get instant membership online.
Children aged 10 and under are very welcome to visit the library, they must be accompanied by an adult. Our Facebook pages often have filmed story times and singing sessions which you may also be interested in as well as in-library events which will be offered where possible.
Public PCs are available and are free to use for the first 2 hours. There will be cleaning equipment available for user to clean the PCs before and after use.
Yes this equipment is available for your use.
Workington and Whitehaven libraries are now able to process applications (there may be busy periods at libraries so there may be a short wait.) Please remember to take proof of ID. Find out who can apply.
Parking Permits can be requested online or phone the Highways Hotline on 03003 032992
You can collect Hearing Aid batteries in person from the Library but we are unable to post them out or arrange for someone to collect them for you using our Select and Collect service.
Toilets and baby changing facilities are now open to the public.
Drinks machines are available in libraries which have them.
Activities or drop-ins will be reintroduced gradually in line with the latest public health advice. In the meantime, please see our library Facebook pages for digital versions of many of our regular children's sessions and other links to community information.
As library authorities are only able to offer limited services, and due to the uncertainty surrounding local outbreaks, Findmypast have decided that they will keep home access in place, but, they are reviewing this on a monthly basis.
This service is available to people who are unable to visit the library because of mobility problems or ill health conditions and who have no one who can go to a library on their behalf. For those library members who currently can't visit a main library in person, alternatively a friend or family member can collect a prepared selection of books from them using our Select and Collect service.
Cumberland Library Service is working with the partner organisations who host Library Links to open library links. Check the website for details. Book drops are not currently available. Cumberland Library Service is currently not operating book drops.
Work is underway to return these services but it is being done in phases due to the health and safety and logistical challenges.
Delivery of The Reading Group Service has resumed. Please contact the reading group team at readinggroups@cumberland.gov.uk if your group is meeting again and would like sets sent.