Manchester is a goldmine of the literary world, with a rich cultural history of writers and academics being born here, and subsequently boasting some of the best libraries in the UK − and now being a UNESCO City of Literature. There are so many libraries just within Manchester city centre, from beautiful gothic havens harking back to the city’s medieval past, to newer, functional libraries with varying specialisms, so we’ve got the low down on the best libraries to visit in Manchester, whether you’re a history buff, bookworm, or need something impossibly specific.
1. Manchester Central Library
Of course, Manchester’s Central Library has to be the first mention, being the heart of the city and an instantly recognisable landmark, so obviously one of the best libraries we have. The library boasts reading material from theatre collections and parliamentary papers, to local history including the Gaskell collection and books on Manchester and the surrounding area’s industrial past. Plus, the library hosts rolling exhibitions spanning art, history and politics, the public are free to use computers and Wi-Fi, and there’s even a specific children’s library, plus so much more. Search ahead, request material or get yourself a library card here.
📍 St Peters Square, Manchester, M2 5PD.
🕛 Open Monday − Thursday, 9am − 8pm/Friday & Saturday, 9am − 5pm/Closed Sunday and Bank Holidays.
2. The Portico Library
The Portico Library is Manchester’s original 19th-century home of literature and learning. Enjoy the public programme, from talks, performances and exhibitions to awards, workshops and new research projects. The Portico is home to over 25,000 books, and everyone who visits can view a selection of these alongside new artworks and items from the archive in free public exhibitions.
The Library’s early members – all men until the Married Women’s Property Act of 1870 – included people of various political positions, from Radical and Liberal abolitionists and anti-poverty campaigners to exploitative factory owners and textile traders. Many members were non-conformists and several wrote influential books, such as the library’s first Secretary Peter Mark Roget, who wrote the first English thesaurus, and founder of atomic theory, John Dalton. Celebrated Manchester author Elizabeth Gaskell also used the Library while her husband William acted as its longest-serving Chair.
📍 57 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HY.
🕛 Open Monday−Wednesday & Friday, 10am−5pm/Thursday, 10am−7pm/Saturday, 12pm−4pm.
3. Chetham’s Library
Chetham’s Library has been in continuous use as a public library for over 350 years. It is housed in a beautiful sandstone building dating from 1421 which was built to accommodate the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church. The entire collection at Chetham’s Library has been designated as one of national and international importance, and is also an accredited museum, attracting visitors from all over the world.
From illuminated manuscripts made for royalty to the minutiae of personal life – diaries, letters, account books – the Library has a wealth of special items and collections. Explore manuscripts, printed books, albums, scrapbooks, photographs, and digital resources at Chetham’s, open to readers by prior appointment. Book an appointment, explore what this, one of the most richly cultural libraries Manchester has to offer, or see available archives here.
📍 Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB.
🕛 Open Monday − Frida 9am−12.30pm & 1.30pm−4.30pm.
4. John Rylands Research Institute and Library
One of the most well-known libraries, and buildings, in Manchester is John Rylands Research Institute and Library. The dark, gothic exterior is particularly striking stood next to the ultra-modern business centre of Spinningfields, and the inside is just as spectacular. Owned by the University of Manchester, John Rylands now houses the majority of Special Collections of The University of Manchester Library, making it the third largest academic library in the United Kingdom.
Based in one of the finest neo-Gothic buildings in Europe and in the heart of Manchester, it is a dynamic community of world-leading researchers, curators, conservators and imaging specialists, all focused on the core mission to define the human experience over five millennia and up to the current day. Alongside boasting some of the most significant printed books and manuscripts ever produced, and unique archive collections, maps and visual material, John Rylands regularly hosts exhibitions and events, usually exploring culture and history in and around Manchester, which you can find here.
📍 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH.
🕛 Open Wednesday−Saturday, 10am−5pm.
5. Manchester Poetry Library
The North West’s first public poetry library is free and open to all in Manchester, as part of Manchester Metropolitan University. Manchester Poetry Library is developing an extensive collection of contemporary poetry from books to recordings, in multiple languages, aiming to create an exceptional poetry research centre, a space where poetry belongs to everyone, and can be enjoyed and celebrated.
Alongside books and other literary items, the library has a special focus on poetry recordings, including on CDs, cassettes and vinyl. The audio collection is reference only and can’t be borrowed, however the library has everything you need to listen to recordings onsite. Headphones can be provided on request, or you are welcome to use your own if you prefer. The oldest recording of a poet reading their work is from 1889, Robert Browning reading an extract from his poem “How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix”. Find out more here.
📍 Grosvenor Building, Cavendish Street, Manchester, M15 6BG.
🕛 Open Monday, 10am−4.30pm/Tuesday, 10am−7pm/Wednesday, 10am−7pm/Thursday, 10am−4.30pm/Friday, 10am−4.30pm/Saturday, 11am−5pm/Closed Sunday.
6. Hulme High Street Library
The very first free library in Manchester (and the country) was in Hulme and public access to books still matters there. The library is now based in the leisure centre on Hulme High Street where Hulme’s pioneering, independent spirit lives on.
On Tuesdays, 11am−12pm is Age Friendly hour when older customers get priority support and a friendly welcome. There is also a free digital Skill Up workshop every Tuesday from 1pm−3.15pm, with staff from Manchester Adult Education Service. Staffed library service available:
- Tuesday and Saturday 9am−5pm
- Wednesday 9am−8pm
- Thursday 9am−1pm
📍 Hulme High Street Library, Leisure Centre, Hulme High Street, M15 5NN.
🕛 Open (self service) Monday−Friday, 6.30am−9.30pm/Sunday, 9am−5pm.
7. The Place at Platt Lane
The Place at Platt Lane is a vibrant community resource centre in the heart of Fallowfield. It’s managed by a committee made up of members of the local community, with a focus on health and wellbeing and improving the lives of all those in Fallowfield, hosting the local community library.
There are also plenty of activities and events to get involved in, so if you fancy it, check out the calendar here.
📍 Platt Lane, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 7FB.
🕛 Open Monday, 9am−7pm/Tuesday, 9am−4.30pm/Wednesday, 9am−5pm/Thursday, 10am− 5pm/Friday, 9am−2.30pm/Saturday, 11am−1pm.
8. Withington Library
Since 1927, the well-loved Withington Library building in the heart of the village has had a formal, classical façade, and inside the vibe is friendly and informal. In 2018, the library was fully refurbished to make the space more comfortable and useful, and now houses plenty of books, items and community events for locals and visitors alike. Find out more here.
📍 410 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 3BN.
🕛 Open Monday & Wednesday, 9am−8pm/Tuesday, 1pm−8pm/Friday & Saturday, 9am−5pm (open earlier for registered self service users).