Kettering Library is currently closed for essential maintenance. We are temporarily relocated to the new extension within Cornerstone at the rear of the Library and Gallery.
During refurbishment, a full range of library services is available but on a reduced scale. The Library team are on hand during normal opening hours to offer assistance to customers.
Services available include:
- A selection of books for browsing and borrowing.
- Book reservations and returns.
- Two computers available for public use, along with photocopying, printing and scanning.
- Free wifi.
- Warm space.
- Accessible Toilets and baby changing facilities.
The Library also holds a significant collection of local and family history resources, the main collection in North Northamptonshire. Resources include the area’s local newspaper, Evening Telegraph, on microfilm for various years from 1898 to 2017.
For more information, please visit the North Northamptonshire Council page here or our dedicated Facebook page
Opening Hours
Day Opens Closes
Monday 9am 6pm
Tuesday 9am 6pm
Wednesday 9am 6pm
Thursday 9am 6pm
Friday 9am 6pm
Saturday 9am 5pm
Sunday Closed
Business Support
Business support is available at Kettering Library, part of the British Library Business & IP Centre national network. Advice is available for entrepreneurs, inventors and small businesses from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business.
More information can be found here: Business & IP Centre (BIPC): Business Advice & Resources - The British Library (bl.uk)
The Library holds subscriptions to online business resources, and also run information and advice sessions on self-employment and intellectual property.
Find a comprehensive list of subscription resources and useful business websites on our online reference page:
www.northnorthants.gov.uk/libraries/business-support-libraries
History of the Library
Kettering Library, one of the busiest and largest libraries in the county, was first opened in 1904. Made possible by a gift of £8,500 by Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-American millionaire, it is one of over 2,000 “Carnegie Libraries” dotted around the world, all funded by the wealthy philanthropist and steel magnate. Carnegie himself attended the opening ceremony, an event which saw a crowd of over 10,000 Kettering residents fill the surrounding streets to witness the grand occasion.
"The Library is is one of over 2,000 'Carnegie Libraries' dotted around the world."
Built in the Early Renaissance style with rich sandstone bricks, stone Ketton windows, and a roof made of Collyweston slate, the Library remains one of Kettering’s most eye-catching and historic buildings and has served local townspeople for 120 years. Now a key component of the Cornerstone site, Kettering Library continues as a vital community hub for residents and visitors alike.