Chorlton Library

Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant

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Chorlton Library

Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PN
0161 227 3700
  • Monday9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday9:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Chorlton Library Exterior
Chorlton Library
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The second busiest library in Manchester sits on Manchester Road in Chorlton. In March 2024, the library closed its doors and underwent a year-long refurbishment. The developments were put in place to protect and restore the building for future generations. 

This beautiful Grade II listed library reopened in Spring 2025 with its brand new internal look. The familiar dome, unmissable from the outside, is now fully visible from within, adding both space and a sense of grandeur to the interior.

First opened in 1914, Chorlton Library was a gift to the city from Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, one of 660 Carnegie libraries built across the UK and Ireland. It was designed by city architect Henry Price, also responsible for Didsbury Library, and has long been a cornerstone of Chorlton life.

A fascinating historical twist: the original plans for the building were lost at sea aboard the Titanic, en route to New York. A dramatic footnote in the library’s early story.

As part of Manchester’s mission to become zero carbon by 2038, the refurbishment includes upgraded electrical and mechanical systems. Visitors can also enjoy new books, more computers, and comfy new sofas — perfect for studying, exploring new reads, or simply getting lost in a good book on a rainy afternoon.

What's on at Chorlton Library

LiteratureManchester
Manchester Poets at Chorlton Library

This autumn Manchester Poets returns to its usual home of Chorlton Library, following its exile to Withington while renovations took place at the Carnegie HQ.

Free entry

What's on near Chorlton Library

LiteratureManchester
Manchester Poets at Chorlton Library

This autumn Manchester Poets returns to its usual home of Chorlton Library, following its exile to Withington while renovations took place at the Carnegie HQ.

Free entry
Southern Cemetary Chorlton by Tom Jeffs
TourChorlton
Southern Cemetery Tour

Within Chorlton’s Southern Cemetery lie fascinating stories, beautiful architectural details, and the inspiration behind one of The Smith’s best songs.

From £20.00
FamiliesMediaCityUK
Three Little Vikings at The Lowry

Three fearless Viking girls, one oblivious Chieftain, trolls, monsters, Viking longhouses and an alarming amount of craziness… welcome to Three Little Vikings at The Lowry, an incredible adventure for small…

Where to go near Chorlton Library

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Chorlton
Shop
Chorlton Bookshop

A family-run bookshop in Manchester’s bohemian suburb, Chorlton Bookshop is a haven of great titles and unknown gems.

Horse and Jockey Chorlton
Chorlton
Restaurant
Horse and Jockey Chorlton

The Horse and Jockey is a popular gastro pub located on Chorlton Green, at the end of Beech Road, a beautiful building and a Chorlton landmark.

Chorlton
Bar or Pub
The Beagle

Helmed by the people behind Common and Port Street Beer House, The Beagle is one of the most popular bars in Chorlton.

Beech Road, Chorlton
Bar or Pub
97 Chorlton

97 is a smart new cocktail bar from the team behind Tariff & Dale and The Lead Station, based on Beech Road in Chorlton.

Culture Guides

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