Manchester is a city of learning, home of Britain’s oldest public library. Libraries in Manchester play an invaluable role in local communities by offering regular activities and one-time events. Located in spectacular buildings filled with history, these stunning libraries are more than just books. Visitors can enjoy access to the entire library catalogue of the city. Manchester has several excellent libraries, whether you are looking for a place to study or a beautiful landmark.
If you’re a big library fan, enjoy a good read, or just like the smell of an old book, ensure to visit these top libraries in Manchester:
Top 11 Libraries to Visit in Manchester
1. Chetham’s Library
Location – Long Millgate
Visiting Days – Monday to Friday
Opening Hours – 9am-12.30pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Chetham’s Library was founded in 1653 and is one of the oldest libraries in Manchester. Many locals believe that Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels used to meet here to study. In Chetham’s Library, you can walk around to soak up the history and beautiful Gothic design. It has a wide collection of reading materials. Book lovers can browse through beautiful medieval shelving and an internationally acclaimed collection. The library also has digital collections on topics like criminal Manchester, Middle English manuscripts, and the history of Rochdale.
2. Manchester Central Library
Location – St. Peter’s Square
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday
Opening Hours – 9 am–8 pm
Fee – £2 per item on lost item
Why Visit – One of the most popular libraries in Manchester, Manchester Central Library, offers free library cards for borrowing books. The library card allows visitors to borrow, renew, reserve, and download books, e-books, and audiobooks. There are also library facilities for visually impaired people, including text magnification stations. In addition, it offers onsite facilities such as baby changing stations, nursing rooms, cafes, and gift shops. Frequent events are held at the library, including Armed Forces Day and various foster activities.
3. Beswick Library
Location – Grey Mare Lane
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday (closed on Friday)
Opening Hours – 9 am–5 pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Beswick Library welcomes readers of all ages, including local students or people looking for a quiet spot to read. It has a “Homework Club,” a support service for school-aged children. The library also offers an Age-Friendly Hour (10am to 11am). During this hour, librarians and library helpers can provide specialized attention and care for older visitors. It’s one of the most visited libraries in Manchester.
4. John Rylands Library
Location – Deansgate
Visiting Days – Monday to Friday
Opening Hours – 10am-5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – John Rylands Library is known for its distinct architectural style. It was designed to resemble a Neo-Gothic church. It is home to the largest collection of medieval illuminated manuscripts, including rare books that span five millennia, called the original Gutenberg Bible. Visit the library to study, explore the building, and get a guided tour through some of the most hidden parts.
5. Gorton Library
Location – Garratt Way in Gorton
Visiting Days – Monday to Friday (closed on Wednesday)
Opening Hours – 10am to 5pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Gorton Library is one of the child-friendly libraries in Manchester. It hosts different events, including yoga classes and art & craft sessions. The Peter Rabbit space at Gorton Library is among children’s most popular reading areas. In addition, visit Gorton Library to participate in Adult Education Service and Skill Up workshops. These workshops regularly aim to provide educational sessions and skill development.
6. Chorlton Library
Location – Manchester Road
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday
Opening Hours – 9 am–5 pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Andrew Carnegie founded Chorlton Library in 1914, housed in a listed building. The library is protected by the government for its historical relevance. It is a welcoming space for both young and old alike. The library offers various services, including Grand Day Out, a seniors’ club for individuals over 50, Tiny Tots and Toddler sessions, and regular history celebrations and educational sessions. Visit to explore the comprehensive selection of reading books and academic material.
7. Withington Library
Location – Wilmslow Rd
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday (closed on Thursday)
Opening Hours – 9 am–8 pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Withington Library offers storytime sessions for its younger visitors and an Age-Friendly Hour to accommodate additional services and support the elderly. In addition, it’s one of the first libraries in Manchester to provide a reading room for young people. The library has formal and classical facade interiors but offers visitors a cosy and relaxed vibe.
8. The Portico Library
Location – Mosley St
Visiting Days – Monday to Friday
Opening Hours – between 10am -12pm or 2 – 5pm.
Fee – Free
Why Visit – The Portico Library has 215 years of literature and culture in the heart of Manchester. Only subscription members can explore the library for now. However, you can grab lunch at their cage between 12pm and 2pm, served under the magnificent dome ceiling. There are also exhibition spaces available for visitors to explore. If you want to experience the feel of the old era, add the library to your must-visit list.
9. Brooklands Library
Location – Moor Road
Visiting Days – Monday to Saturday (closed on Thursday)
Opening Hours – 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – The Brooklands Library provides a wide range of physical and electronic resources. If you have a valid Manchester City Council library card, you can access some of the online resources offered by Brooklands Library, like newspapers, dictionaries, and streamed music. The library also has an excellent collection of books and DVDs, including a special section for children.
10. Manchester Law Library
Location – Kennedy Street
Visiting Days – Monday to Friday
Opening Hours – 9 am–5 pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – Manchester Law Library has recently moved its collection to Deansgate. However, the original building, built in the late 1880s, provides a fascinating look at Venetian Gothic architecture. In addition, the collection has valuable law-related books that date back to the seventh century. These sources are still used by professionals in the legal field.
11. All Saints Library
Location – Oxford Road
Visiting Days – Monday to Sunday
Opening Hours – 9 am–7 pm
Fee – Free
Why Visit – All Saints Library is one of Manchester’s largest Metropolitan University libraries. Although it’s a university library, the public can access the impressive collection and browse through some rare and out-of-print gems. The library also offers photocopying services, which can be slightly more expensive than usual.
All the libraries mentioned above in Manchester are must-visit spots for book lovers or people who enjoy exploring the history or cultural heritage of the country. So if you visit Manchester, have at least one of these libraries in your tourist spots list.
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