Before we return to school why don’t you take some time to visit a library? We have lots of inspiring libraries in Liverpool  but one of the most breath taking is Liverpool Central Library. It’s just between The World Museum and the Walker Art Gallery  with really easy bus links. With over 10,000 books to choose from , your whole family is sure to find something they will enjoy reading .

It’s an ideal place to visit with children , especially the DISCOVER section on the ground floor which has a special under 5’s area , sections for children 5-7 then 8-11 with author sections and picture books , it often has structured  activities during the day so it might be worth checking those out on line .Free computers are available for children to help with school work, find things out, or just have fun. Prefer listening and watching? Then head for the children’s DVDs and talking books on CD.

The READ section  is where you will find a good book to take on holiday, to read on the bus or train or simply to take yourself away from everyday life. There is so much to choose from crime, adventure, science fiction and much more.Browse the audio books and language courses or use the e-books service. All loans are FREE and it is free to join. You can check out the iPads for quick email and internet access.

If you are interested in  finding out about your family history or discovering the history of your house, street or district then the ARCHIVE section is for you .There are fabulous collections of unique and rare archives from the 13th century to the present day which tell Liverpool’s story.  Photographs, maps, newspapers, directories, and much more, record the lives of Liverpudlians across the centuries.

The IMAGINE  section (also on the ground floor) includes a multi media zone , here the children can listen to music by choosing from CDs covering contemporary rock and pop, country, folk, jazz, blues, world music and classical  , browse the internet or play Xbox 360 games . You can find feature films and television programmes on DVD. .

In the TREASURES section you can take a look at the oldest book in the world , or the most expensive book in the world . It is where the famous collections of rare books are kept, housed in the magnificent Hornby Library and Oak Room. View the impressive Picton Reading Room, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. For many visitors, the star attraction will be seeing a copy of John James Audubon’s massive ‘Birds of America’, described as the greatest natural history book ever produced.

At the end of your trip , check out the amazing external terrace overlooking St John’s Gardens , go to the third floor and take a look over the city from a very different view !