Bibliophiles, rejoice: we have rounded up the best libraries in Manchester for your perusal. Manchester has long been a place of learning – it is home to Britain’s oldest public library, after all. We thought it high time to celebrate the best libraries in Manchester, big and small, new and old.
Central Library re-opened in 2014 after a £48m restoration, bigger and brighter, and the new home of the city’s archives and local history collections.
John Rylands Library houses a collection of rare books that spans five millennia – including an original Gutenberg Bible – in a neo-Gothic building that took nine years to build.
The Portico Library opened in 1806, and remains a well-appointed subscription library today. Go for tea and cake, exhibitions and events beneath its beautiful glass dome.
Chetham’s Library is the oldest free public reference library in Britain. Visitors can browse beautiful medieval shelving and an internationally rated collection of books.
The Working Class Movement Library houses the personal collection of labour historians Ruth and Edmund Frow, a treasure trove of material and stories dating back to the 1760s.
The North West’s first public poetry library, with a mission to widen access to poetry to everybody, you’ll find Manchester Poetry Library opposite All Saints park.
A public library in the centre of the wonderful market town of Altrincham.
The North West’s first public poetry library, Manchester Poetry Library opened in 2020 at Manchester Metropolitan University.
These regular talks in both Manchester and Knutsford unpack the meaning and significance of Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing.
Long-lasting organisation with regular meetings and telescope sessions in the 1902 Godlee Observatory.
A modern community library space in North Manchester which is shared with North Manchester Sixth Form College.
Wythenshawe Forum comprises co-located services and a hub for community and business. The venue has leisure facilities as well as a performance space and complete library services.
One of Manchester’s most most diverse neighborhoods has a library to match with newspapers, books and publications available in multiple languages.
Tameside Library has the library on one floor and the Central Art Gallery above. Sounds a little like an arts centre. It’s all housed in a comfortable and sturdy building.
This red sandstone neo-Gothic building was created on a grand Mancunian scale and houses a collection of rare books that spans five millennia – including an original Gutenberg Bible.
This cornerstone of Chorlton life is a Carnegie library, listed building and the second busiest library in the city.
Formerly the Sir Kenneth Green Library, All Saints Library is part of Manchester Metropolitan University.
Chetham’s Library is one of the must-sees of any visit to Manchester. The library was founded in 1653, and is the oldest public library in the world – but the building dates back even further, to 1421.
Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.
Fancy some Japanese food? We've uncovered the five best restaurants in Manchester.
Here are some of the best cafés and best coffee shops we’ve come across in Manchester – independents (almost) all.
Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, so of course there are a few go-tos for books. Read our guide to discover the best places to pick them up.
If you find yourself in the North West of England looking for a spa day, look no further, check out our guide featuring our favourite spots.
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
Manchester's art scene is thriving - here's our guide to the best art galleries, from artist-led studios to major institutions.
There's no shortage of places to drink in the Northern Quarter. From hidden bars in launderettes and pawn shops, to record stores and even traditional pubs.
A growing number of breweries and independent tour operators now offer behind-the-scenes access to the city’s thriving beer scene.
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Take me there
Chocolate fountains, beautiful batiks and medieval marginalia - this month's supersized Exhibitions Guide has it all.
The autumn leaves might be falling already, but the harvest is plentiful as the live literature scene gets back into the swing of things after a summer break...
This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.
September and beyond brings culture, theatre, disgusting history and loads of fun.
Take some eating-out tips from our August guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.
"Tours, tours, tours!" If this month's Tours and Activities guide were a sentient speaking person, this is what it would say.
