A New Wakefield Library & Museum

We need your help to shape an exciting new library and museum for the Wakefield district.

Wakefield Council is creating an exciting and innovative new Wakefield Library & Museum in the heart of Wakefield City Centre.

The new library and museum will be located in the former British Homes Stores (BHS) building on Kirkgate, opposite Wakefield Cathedral. It will open in 2025. The current library and museum in Wakefield One will close, with the exception of Local Studies. 

The new venue will offer residents:

·         Interactive museum galleries, filled with amazing objects and local stories.

·         Modern library spaces, with room to work, study or relax. 

·         Family fun, with a family gallery and children’s library.

·         A café, with spectacular views of Wakefield Cathedral.

·         Space for events, activities, school visits and community groups.

The new museum and library will be a hub for our community and we need your help to shape it.

Share your stories with us

The new museum galleries will be focused on the whole Wakefield district and the things that connect us to our district, our county, our country, and the world. We’ll have more space than ever before to celebrate and share the stories and objects that make the Wakefield district unique.

We want to hear your stories about the district and what makes you proud to live or work here. We’ll be running consultation events across the district throughout 2022, or you can get in touch with us at museums@wakefield.gov.uk to share your stories.

What puts Wakefield on the map?

We've been going around the District as part of the A Grand Day Out summer festivals, asking about the places, memories, stories and people that make Wakefield special. 

Below is an interactive image with some of your contributions so far - move your mouse over the flags for more information! Green flags are places and attractions, yellow flags are memories, pink flags are for people and community groups, and blue flags are about where people live.

Help us write a new chapter for your library

The new central library will provide access to a huge range of books, computers, WiFi, printing and scanning facilities, and spaces to relax, work and study.

We would like to hear your views on the facilities and services you would like to see in the new library spaces. Get in touch with us at lib.admin@wakefield.gov.uk to share your views. 

The new Library & Museum is funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Wakefield Council. The project is part of the Wakefield City Masterplan, which aims to deliver improved facilities for residents.