Paddington Library

Paddington Library is a large and busy community library close to the thriving Queensway and Bayswater areas.
The library is in two buildings, one exclusively for children in the Clifford Hall, and the other for adults 100 yards down the road in the Porchester Hall.
The adult library has a wide and varied range of books, talking books, newspapers & magazines, music (CDs and scores) and DVDs. There are computers available for Internet access and general use. The lower ground floor has extensive study facilities, an Education Information collection and a reading area. We also host a Readers Group, a Writers' Group, Employment Advice sessions and Jobseeker / Business Start-up Drop-Ins. Find out about other facilities available in the library.
New for local businesses: a wide range of essential business information, networking and resources through the Business Information Point.
The Children's Library holds regular sessions for the Under 5s, a Homework club, and hosts school and nursery visits and a Saturday afternoon Reading Club (contact the children's library for details).
You can find up-to-date information on any events in Paddington Library by visiting the Events at Paddington Library page, and get a flavour of what we've been up to by reading the Books & the City blog.
Opening hours
Our libraries are closed on English Bank Holidays. For information on any other temporary changes please see the News page.
| Day | Adult Library | Children's Library |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9.30am - 10.00pm | 9.30am - 12.00 noon / 1.00pm - 5.30pm |
| Tuesday | 9.30am - 9.00pm | 9.30am - 12.00 noon / 1.00pm - 5.30pm |
| Wednesday | 10.00am - 9.00pm | 10.00am - 12.00 noon / 1.00pm - 5.30pm |
| Thursday | 9.30am - 10.00pm | 9.30am - 12.00 noon / 1.00pm - 5.30pm |
| Friday | 9.30am - 10.00pm | 9.30am - 12.00 noon / 1.00pm - 5.30pm |
| Saturday | 9.30am - 5.00pm | 9.30am - 12.00 noon / 1.00pm - 5.00pm |
| Sunday | 11:00am - 5.00pm | Closed |
How to find us
Address: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, London W2 5DU / Paddington Children's Library, Clifford Hall, Porchester Road, London W2 5DU
All enquiries & renewals: (020) 7641 6200
Renewals (24hrs): (020) 7641 6200 or via the e-library
Minicom and other options for the deaf and hard of hearing
Fax: (020) 7641 4471
Email: paddingtonlibrary@westminster.gov.uk
Nearest Tube: Royal Oak, Bayswater
Buses: 7, 23, 27, 36, 18. Please note: Westminster City Council has agreed to a full closure of Eastbourne Terrace from 12th February 2012 until 2014 to enable excavation of the new Crossrail station with some bus and traffic diversions necessary. Eastbourne Terrace is on a major bus route from the Edgware Road/West End towards Paddington Library therefore it might be easier to use the tube to travel to Paddington Library.
Access for people with disabilities:
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Level wheelchair access to the adult library. The children's library is on one level. The ground floor of the adult library is level. Fiction, music recordings and DVDs are located here. |
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Accompanied wheelchair access only to the children's library. A ramp with handrails leads to the children's library entrance which has one step. |
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The adult reference library, study area and the non-fiction items are located in the basement with access via a staircase (19 steps) with handrails |
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A lift is available in the adult library for people with impaired mobility and it is now suitable for wheelchair users. |
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Registered assistance dogs are welcome in both libraries. |
More information about access to Westminster libraries.
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