Chorlton Library
Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant
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 look. The familiar dome, unmissable from the outside, is now also going to be on show inside. Structural improvements during the refurbishment now allow the dome’s interior to be revealed.
Chorlton Library first opened in 1914. The project was gifted to the city by the famous Scottish-American benefactor Andrew Carnegie. And this is just one of the 660 Carnegie libraries across the UK and Ireland.
Designed by city architect Henry Price – the architect also responsible for the Didsbury Library – the library is the cornerstone of Chorlton life. Interestingly, a bit of history for you, the original plans for the building were actually lost at sea, attempting to make it to New York via the Titanic. And we all know how that ended.
To help the city meet its target of becoming zero carbon by 2038, the current works included the renewal of electrical and mechanical systems. There will also be new books, comfy sofas and more computers. The library is a great place to study, discover new reads or just spend a few hours reading your favourite book in the quiet on a rainy day.