Opening times
Mon: 10 am–7 pm
Tues & Sunday: Closed
Weds: 10 am–5 pm
Thurs: 1 pm–5 pm
Saturday: 10 am–2 pm
Tues & Sunday: Closed
Weds: 10 am–5 pm
Thurs: 1 pm–5 pm
Saturday: 10 am–2 pm
A welcoming historic library offering books, free digital access, local history resources and activities for children, families and adults.
Darwen Library is a welcoming place to read, study, meet others or simply spend a little time away from the bustle of the town centre.
Explore books for leisure and learning, newspapers, talking books and local history resources, or make use of the free Wi-Fi, public computers and printing facilities. Friendly staff and volunteers are available to help, whether you are choosing your next read or finding your way around a digital service.
The library also hosts regular activities for all ages, including story and rhyme times, reading groups, creative sessions, IT support and school holiday events.
Darwen Library is more than somewhere to borrow books. It’s a calm, friendly town centre space for reading, learning, family activities and everyday support, with helpful staff on hand if you need pointing in the right direction.
Darwen Library has been part of town life for over a century, supporting education, culture and community since it first opened in 1908.
Alongside books, learning and everyday library services, it also connects people with Darwen’s local history, from archive material and community history resources to old newspapers including The Darwen News and The Darwen Weekly Advertiser.
The story does not end at the bookshelves. Beneath the library sits Darwen Library Theatre, an intimate venue bringing live entertainment to the heart of town.
Its programme includes comedy, music, drama, family shows, cinema screenings and spoken-word events, with performances taking place throughout the year. The library’s original undercroft was extended and converted into the theatre in 2000.
Here’s what’s coming up elsewhere in the town.
Award-winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy. Filmed live on stage at the…
Orange River Remedy take you on a journey down memory lane with their celebration of Neil Young's legendary album, Harvest - the biggest selling…
Join the international drag superstar and Ru Paul’s Drag Race icon for a night at the theatre Star of stage and screen, Baga is…
Andy Fairweather Low, former lead singer of Amen Corner, brings his remarkable band to Darwen Library Theatre. With a career spanning collaborations with Eric…
Join one of the UK’s most popular poets, Brian Bilston, for an evening of comedy and laughter as he takes us through the hows,…
A fast, forensic show of big ideas and gag-dense overthinking from one of the nation’s sharpest stand-ups. Star of Mock The Week, QI, and…
Be first to know what’s happening in Darwen.
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