The John Rylands Library

😍 New cafe space open! 😍
Enriqueta’s, the new cafe space at the Library is officially open. Serving coffee, tea and a selection of cakes, the cafe will be open seven days a week!
http://man.ac.uk/3nEMTu

Ever wondered where some of the Library’s staircases and doors lead to? Then join us, tomorrow at 2pm, as we take a look behind the scenes at the Library.☺️ Free, booking required!
👉 http://man.ac.uk/KZfo6R 👈

NOW OPEN: The Rylands Gallery’s new exhibition includes the story of Margaret Pilkington, deputy chairman and honorary director of the Whitworth Art Gallery from 1936 until 1959. Here she is pictured with her sister Dorothy and her childhood dog in a family photograph. https://bit.ly/2EFZfV5

Clive Bell and David Ross combined the delicate sounds of East Asian wind instruments with bizarre rhythmic electronics in an amazing performance held here at the Library back in August. If you missed it you can now watch the full show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvsZHg6No -s&feature=youtu.be

Our cafe is closed today, but for good reason; we’re installing some stunning new artwork. All the images are of beautiful items held within our Special Collections and you'll be able to see them all when our new cafe space, Enriqueta’s, opens officially on Monday.

What a beautiful historic venue for us to hold a conversation about the future in. Great turn out at the last of our @OfficialUoM 'Our Future' discussion sessions where we'll be sharing ideas about what kind of institution we want to be #UoMOurFuture

NOW OPEN: We are proud to present our newly opened exhibition in the Rylands Gallery. You can now see on display letters Elizabeth Gaskell received from Patrick Brontë dating back to 1855. Discover more about Brontë and Gaskell's friendship by visiting the Rylands Gallery. https://bit.ly/2EFZfV5

Just a reminder, the Rylands Gallery is CLOSED today and tomorrow for an exhibition changeover. The rest of the building is open for you to explore as usual. https://bit.ly/2DsofEd

Planning on visiting us on 8th or 9th October? The Rylands Gallery will be closed for an exhibition changeover on these days but the rest of the building will be open as usual. Find out more about the Rylands Gallery at the following link: https://bit.ly/2EFZfV5

We recently collaborated with the @AIUCentre to create e a very successful collection encounter celebrating the diversity of Manchester. Here's a look at some of the stories we highlighted

Dr Janette Martin, curator of a forthcoming Peterloo exhibition here at the Library, delves into our Peterloo collections and discusses how we're making them freely available for public use

If you are planning a visit to The John Rylands Library on the 8th or 9th October, please be aware that The Rylands Gallery will be closed on these dates for an exhibition changeover. The rest of the Library will be open as usual on these days. https://bit.ly/2DsofEd

Today is International Day of Sign Languages. Here's an idea... #IDSL2018

Happy International Day of Sign Languages from everyone here at The John Rylands Library 😃 #IDSL2018

New on the Special Collections Blog: Explore five of our most incredible historical maps from the Special Collections 🗺️🔍🤩 #cartography https://rylandscollections.wordpress.com/ …/delving-into-a-…/

Our beautiful buzzing bees will be leaving the Library on Monday! 🐝📚 Make sure you come and say goodbye! 👋

Watch as curator, Anne Anderton, tells you how theatre patron and provocateur Annie Horniman used dress to express herself and defy expectations! http://man.ac.uk/cuV3SC

UPDATE: Due to popular demand we've added 20 extra tickets for this event. Book your place today https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-loveno tes-womens-a-capel…

Watch as curator Fran Baker reveals how Madeline Linford blazed a trail for women in journalism when she became the first woman on the senior editorial team at The Guardian! http://man.ac.uk/cuV3SC

Wonderful place and the building itself is stunning. We'll be back for another visit and cannot recommend it too highly.



I have some photos on my own page but I can't add them here, in a review.

Truly an astonishingly beautiful building my only criticism is that neither my friends nor I had enough time to see everything �. As a first time visitor to Manchester it has spurred me on to return soon and spend much more time enjoying what I now believe to be THE most beautiful library in the known universe.

Totally free but truly impressive .there are 4 floors , and visitors could read, work in this beautiful library as long as they don’t bring their food :)

This is one my favourite buildings in the world (and I am pretty well travelled), certainly the most impressive in Manchester. It's Neogothic beauty is enchanting and it spurs the imagination of forgotten times. The exhibits are incredible and I have been going since the; exploring the gothic- darkness and light, when I first came to this city in Sep 2015. Finally the shop sells the most incredible books and gothic treasures!

Stumbled across this place while wondering around Manchester and what a find it was. Beautiful building old and new wonderful mix of the two together. Stunning setting and history really does come alive.

One of the most beautiful libraries I've been to. Definetly check it out if you have time. Mind that the opening hours are a bit strange and it closes at 17:00. Enjoy!

My workplace has to be highlighted as one of the best shelters from the madness of the city.Totally recommended.The exhibitions are very enjoyable and set within a Neogothic architectural beauty.

Lived in Salford all my life and this was the 1st time I had visited this wonderful building!! Stunning is the word!! Superb how the old seamlessly joins the new. History oozes out from everywhere. Do not miss out on looking round this place if you are in Manchester. Top place.

Just can't believe I've never visited here before

It's just awesome. A truly beautiful building with so much to see.

Definitely feels like you're having the Harry Potter, Hogwarts experience. Won't be able keep away now I've discovered this fascinating place x

It is the most beautiful library I have ever seen. I would have loved to see the top floor that is closed for visitors.

I hope to be able to come back again. I love Manchester.

I come from China and I am a international student studying at the university of Liverpool for one semester. I went to the John Rylands Library on the last Saturday. The architecture there is really great and cool. Also, the books there is really amazing. They are just like the ones shown in the movie. It is worth paying a visit to such an old library.

I can't believe I haven't been here before, completely blown away by this stunning building, the architecture is mind blowing and the way the new part of the building blends in with the old is just perfection, the minute you enter that main part of the library you can see , smell and feel the history here. If you haven't been yet you are missing out on something really special. Put this magnificent place on your to do list this summer! X

I can't believe I have not been in here since My Grandma took me when I was a little girl. It has changed a lot since then. I found it nostalgic, very interesting, I loved the little objects tales but from the moment stepping in, the smell of the books and the displays was just wonderful.

First time we have visited despite living in the north west since 1979 and visiting Manchester frequently though our son has visited several times as he's a mediaevalist .Beautiful building an oasis of calm and beauty in busy Deansgate

Beautiful place, gorgeous atmosphere. Loved the unique objects exhibit. Great concept. The story behind what were once everyday objects but are now unique and tell a story; both about society at large during the object's use as well as their owner. Loved it.

As a Campaigner for better access and understanding in provision for disabled persons, I was impressed by this museum, as although there were issues created by the design and age of the structure many of these had been alleviated by careful design of access, with trained and interested staff who were willing to provide assistance where needed’

Was expecting to be limited here, but access is excellent, with thanks to a new extension and lift facilities, Had a great time in a Beautiful building.

Would recommend this place for both all, as this was an enjoyable and educational morning out.

Absolutely fallen in love with this place. The architecture is phenomenal. Cant wait to go back there again.

A privilege to be able to visit a building with so much historical significance and to be able to view the books via modern technology.

Manchester has so many wonderful buildings it's a joy to be able to appreciate these on our doorstep via the updated and modern transport systems in place.

A must visit to this place. Awesome building. Interior is beautiful and alot of historical information. Our first time in Manchester and was recommended to visit. Cafe serves delicious lemon cheesecake.