'Ye Olde Ruines' where once Central Library stood - reader's letter

Matthew Smith takes a tongue-in-cheek look at Central Library works...

Who says Sheffield city centre doesn’t try to attract tourists?

Sheffield Central Library. Photo: David Kessen, Iconic Mediaplaceholder image
Sheffield Central Library. Photo: David Kessen, Iconic Media | Iconic Media

The council’s latest attraction to add to the amazing empty void of John Lewis and the Castlegate Hole In The Ground is the Ye Olde Ruines of Yon Sheffield Central Library.

Feast your eyes on the remnants of stonework where once a fine civic building stood.

Climb the unplastered staircase still said to be haunted by the sounds of a children’s library in the basement.

Sneak a glimpse through the glass doors at the closed Reading Room and Local Studies library.

Entry is free of charge, donations of Pilates mats and scrap metal may be made to your local volunteer library

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1887
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice