The paternoster has been an important part of our library since it first opened in 1967 and it is one of just two lifts like it which are now left in the UK.

Our iconic paternoster lift has been refurbished and fully restored with some added new safety features.

The works have included:

• Completely replacing the lifts drive gears and chain
• Replacing the main control system with a modern high efficiency system
• Installing a new vari-speed drive system, so the lift can easily be slowed down
• Updating all of the lift cars
• Upgrading the lighting in the lift shaft
• New safety features, like a traffic light system to help you get onto the lift

Key dates

Work to refurbish the Paternoster began in December 2019, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were some delays to the overall programme.

The paternoster was re-opened on Tuesday 1 June 2021.