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.
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
Manchester's best secret, hidden and hard to find bars - here's our guide.
Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.
Manchester's restaurants are bending over backwards to create deals that take the sting out of eating out. Here are the best of the bunch for January.
Eat out and stay healthy with our guide to the best clean-living restaurants in Manchester.
Travelling to Manchester for work? We round up some of the best business hotels in Manchester.
Some of the most unique places to stay in Manchester. We pick out the top upscale accommodations with a twist.
Manchester is the 26th UNESCO City of Literature, joining illustrious alumni from across the globe. Here's our guide to literary landmarks across the city.
Whether you’re a proud vegan or merely curious, let us guide you towards the best vegan food in Manchester for Veganuary.
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.
Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.
Take me there
Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.
Not long now, spring is on its way but wave goodbye to winter with some of the North's best food and drink.
While spring takes its sweet time to arrive, we've assembled a selection of indoor Tours and Activities that will have you feeling cosy and comforted.
Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.
As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.
Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.
Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.
Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.
