Manchester Central Library

I absolutely love Manchester’s 1930s version of the Pantheon — it’s looks impressive and beautiful during the day and also lit up at night time.
This part of the city centre is a history buff’s dream — the library is hemmed in by the neo-​Gothic Town Hall on one side and the Edwardian red bricks of the Midland Hotel on the other.
I regret to say that I hadn’t been inside until 2014, after its four year expansion, renovation, refurbishment and modernisation. What the architects have managed to achieve is a public building that’s now completely spec’d out for the 21^st century, whilst keeping its beautiful interior and history at the forefront.
You enter an open-​plan atrium which is full of interactive displays on local history and a café serving snacks.
On the first floor is the Great Hall, a large reading room for 300 people topped by a beautiful dome. Around the outer rim and over the four floors there are dozens of seating areas so you can spend time doing your studies or read a good book. There’s even a Media Lounge complete with games consoles!
I have a feeling I’m going to be spending a lot more of my time here in the not-​too-​distant future.

OK I’ll get to Chets and Rylands after I’ve USED them. Still can’t believe these two mind-​bending libraries are to be used! And I will one day. No, Manchester Central library is already a haunt; Archives, Lending, Reservations, Early Maps, Local Studies, Café. Damn, finding all about Peterloo, Ragged Schools, Mackie Mayor, the god damn cotton industry, Engels’ Classic. It’s, wow, such a far cry from this library… just the nicest, most helpful, beautifully renovated and still to be explored library I’ve ever used. Still getting to grips with the catalogue system though; even the staff sometimes struggle (my obscure requests?). But it’s OK, in time I’ll be a wiz. I LUV MCR Libraries online though! Roll on the all-​new St Peter’s Square tram stop at the end of the year too! Oh and if you look at a OS map after 1934 you’ll see this spectacular circular public library. Today it’s grade ll listed and went through a 4 year refurbishment between 2010 – 2014 to the tune of £40m. It’s an absolute Jewel

Over the past couple of months I have spent a lot in the Manchester Central Library. I enjoy the sound of silence while in the library. It is a wonderful place to read or work. I can’t express how much I like this place.
The ground floor café and archive space is great. The food and coffee at the café is remarkably great.

So I don’t normally give a 5 star rating but I couldn’t even knit pick one tiny thing wrong with my experience and visit to the library.
I did not visit for the usual or conventional reason of loaning a book, doing research and finding a quiet place to study. Oh no I attended a private evening dinner.
On arrival there was immediately a sign to direct is to the lift! so no looking dazed and confused about where to go or what to do. On exiting the lift a member staff met us and directed us to the dining room which doubles up as a committee room. On entering the room our coats and umbrellas where delicately placed in the coat stand and we were offered drinks. I started with a gorgeous fresh orange juice in a tall crystal glass. You could have other drinks including an impressive wine selection. The rest of the guests arrived and we were soon asked to be seated.
The table was arched to fit with the shape of the room, as the library is circular for those or are wondering what the hell I’m talking about. Each place was set with the back drop of black table cloth, silver cutlery you could check your hair in it was that polished. And a selection of wine glasses.
The Room had each councillor and all librarians name of the last and this century carved into it the gorgeous wood that surrounded us. Not to sound like me Nan but the room temperature was just perfect.
The staff entered offering us drinks and placing our napkins gently on our laps. The red wine was divine. A nice soft velvety texture full of rich and smooth flavours. It was pale in colour and clung to the glass. Always a good sign for a fine wine.
When the food came it was over 4 courses. Starter was a selection of warm bread and proper butter with prawns wrapped in salmon with a pepper and lime side salad.
The main was beef Wellington in a gorgeous red wine jus and seasonal veg. Yummy.
The dessert was a rich tart with a raspberry sorbet side. Following that was fresh coffee and chocolates. The portion sizes were just right. The food was a good temperature and all 20 people served within a minute of each other.
What was the most fascinating and amazing to watch was the the perfectly timed display that was the waitresses. They were Like ninjas. All dressed in black. Silently placing the food in front of us. They would appear in a trio. The lead would do a gentle nod and like swans elegantly they all placed the food exactly at the same time in front of each of us. There arms, The arched lean forward was like a ballet to watch. Mesmerising. Made my evening.
If you are having a works dinner or even a posh birthday for mum or Nana I would highly recommend this place.

Finally got around to have a good walk round post-​refurbishments, and I’m happy to say a lot has changed. The space feels so much brighter and lighter, there are chairs, stools and reading nooks dotted all over the place. Lots of computers to use, and I noticed power outlets in the main study and meeting spaces for public use.
The reading room, thankfully, hasn’t changed. It’s been preserved and restored with English Heritage to its former glory. The archives are a very special place now, and it’s amazing how the general reading areas have been improved simply by getting rid of the old 1970’s shelving and making much better use of all the available space.
I still miss the old Library Theatre, but the new performance spaces look much more flexible for smaller performances and should attract a wider range of people. The new café is a vast improvement and reasonably priced, would be a good place to grab a quick lunch if you’re on your own or just want some quiet time.
As I’m looking at the library for hosting a group event I was shown around several of the refurbished meeting room and communal spaces — if you’re looking for a meeting room with the ‘wow’ factor make sure to book the Chief Librarian’s office room. If you need a place to work in a group or meet up the booking system for most of the spaces is pretty straight forward and informal and can be arrange via the library website or at the helpdesk.
Hopefully the planned café expansion with Teacup goes ahead soon, then I’ll have no reason to leave!

Since its reopening a year ago the library has become my all time favourite place in the city, I can’t express enough how much I love this place.
From the totally reimagined space comes a huge variety of activity that makes the library a full day out for both adults and kids alike.
Some think that having games consoles is very sad in a library, I wholeheartedly disagree, anything that gets people through the door and encourages them to stay is an amazing thing, if just 5% of those kids pick up a book and start to read then society heads in the right direction.
The music area and the unbelievably beautiful working hall on the first floor are just gorgeous and the mechanical stacks circling the top are incredibly diverse and provide a very nice environment for a reference library.
I could harp on all day, but if you don’t go to the library, make today the first visit… I guarantee it won’t be your last!

The last time I was at the library was 10yrs ago — it has had a gorgeous & sympathetic makeover (I won’t mention the library walk which has raised some eyebrows). Head down to the basement area for the Children’s library — see the interactive puddle & the dancing birds on the walls — just beautiful. Then upto the reading room (which has retained it’s original features thank goodness) & walk through to reach a selection of instruments which you can have a go on. Absolutely love it here & will make it a regular destination. Super speedy wifi throughout & a gorgeous café to boot!

Over the last five months I have spent a lot of time in the Central Library working in the beautiful reading room upstairs. If you enjoy the sound of silence then this is the place for you. The big domed ceiling casts an air of light and intelligence across the room — it is a wonderful place to work or read.
I have also used the library to take out books for my own leisurely reading — the selection isn’t huge and I can never find any of the more recent titles but perhaps that’s just me.
The ground floor café and archive space is fantastic. The food and coffee at the café is remarkably good — I recently had a chocolate brownie from there that I rate as one of the best brownies in my brownie-​eating lifetime. And I’ve eaten a lot of brownies. The coffee is decent too and the staff are improving in their barista skills.
If the Manchester City Council would let me, I’d live in this place.

Love the refurb.
Coffee — Americano if you’re offering, is £1.80 — sandwhiches and cake feel overpriced! They do however give you a loyalty card for 1 in 10 coffee’s free haha.
Anyway. You’re not here for the coffee? Unless you are? Good spot for meetings in the ground floor café area afterall.
There’s some Film and local history archives on this floor as well. And some pretty comfy seats and headphones to watch them with!
They have probably the most fantastic room in Manchester — archecterially; assuming you’re here to study! SHHHH. No talking in the Reading Room. (1^st floor).
The business area on the 2^nd floor has some helpful staff, and if you’re studying you can reserve some of the Library Carels (like carol, but works all-​year-​round) — little 2 man rooms that make you feel like you’re studying in same rooms as historical figures! The 2^nd floor also has a music area, where if you’re good you can play piano, or rent out cds or dvds if you’re not — medium that are still a thing in libraries I guess.
It’s all circular and lovely. I can’t think of any other circular buildings in Manchester? Now there’s a challenge for you.
The council has sadly messed up the Library Walk between it and the town hall with what only can be described as a cover bought by a dodgy geyser with a time machine and a one way trip from the 80s. HIDEOUS. Thanks for spending £3 million on that from our council taxes! Though the other £43 million for the refurb feels extremely well spent — go figure!
Visit and study. Feel like you’re stepping into the steps of famous historical figures.

OMG, since they renovated it, this library is heaven. One of those new library where everything is made you make you stay the whole day: if you wants to study in the classical library with old table and beautiful books, just go upstairs and pass the music specialised section (with free instruments and extremely precise documentation), you’ll arrive in one of those place where you can’t do anything but being quiet: there is no noise, only tables, and quiet people studying. Upstairs are classical references, and downstairs is a café and a «new library «with a huge variety of books of every languages and fields. There is free wifi in everywhere and plenty of computers including brand new I Mac free to use. Registering is as simple as borrowing thanks to tactile screens placed everywhere. Such. A nice library!!!

Things have moved on in the library scene a bit since I was a kid — and I’m only 32. In fact when I first moved to Manchester 7 years ago the central library was looking very tired, even if it did keep it’s grand façade and sense of history on display for all to see.
I used to visit at least 4 times a week — sometimes to use the internet (this was the stone age after all) and to grab books and cd’s (remember these) from the main hall. Wow how things change as now the internet is everywhere for free, we all have smartphones, the net speed used to crawl along and you’d have to queue to use it — while fighting off saber tooth tigers and raptors in the lobby if I remember correctly…
So even though our library shut for around 3 years and a part of my weekly routine was put out, it really has so been worth it — what a fantastic facility and a place that will hopefully stand the test of time for many a year while still giving a nod to its past.
On this visit I only really had a chance to sit on the ground floor in the archives section and use my laptop while enjoying a nice peppermint tea from the onsite café, a really nice oasis of calm in the city centre! I’m looking forward to going back and exploring more here — it’s definitely a place to explore and put aside some time to go and check it all out properly.

Manchester’s Central Library is housed in a stunning, round 1930’s building with Romanesque columns, making it one of the city’s finest pieces of architecture.
Inside, you’ll find a vast, contemporary space offering all the latest in modern library technology and amenities. For example, there is a Media Lounge, where you can access iMacs, PCs and creative software such as Adobe Creative Suite as well as a host of up-​to-​the-​minute gaming consoles — perfect for geeky types, like me!
Film buffs can enjoy highlights from the world’s best and most diverse collection of British film and television in private booths, which apparently, double as great places for couples to have a smooch (I heard this on the radio, I haven’t tried it myself… yet)!
The Henry Watson Music Library has now been extended and boasts an array of musical instruments as well as a DJ mixing desk! But if you’re not in the mood for jamming or raving, there’s a wide selection of music CDs, DVDs, manuscripts and books that’ll keep you entertained for hours.
You’ll also find a number of public meeting spaces, DVD collections, audio books, a children’s library, newspaper and magazine archives, fiction, non-​fiction, large print and language books.
If you use the exit at the rear of the building, you’ll walk through a beautiful old curved hallway, with a high, intricately decorated ceiling and tiled floor. In this peaceful and refined part of the library, you can sit back and enjoy your newly borrowed books on the leather sofas before returning to the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets. Or, if you’re a coffee and cake person, the library’s café is a great place to sit and enjoy a breather before exploring the library’s many nooks and crannies.
It’s free to join and returning/​taking out books couldn’t be easier — just scan the barcodes under the self-​service machines and Bob’s your uncle.

This Grand Building has just had a huge renovation and is now open to the public!
Its huge grand entrance is inviting to such a great iconic building in Manchester.
The lovely entrance way and foyer greets you with its huge ceiling and staircases on each side.
There is a lovely little café on the 1^st floor with lovely seating areas so you can enjoy the wonderful architecture, there are books everywhere for any age or anything in general, there are some great book on travel which i was happy about and got a few book on california for our trip later this year.
There is something for everyone in here and even if you’re not a book fan I’m sure you could find something to read.
Its very modern looking throughout and they have certainly done a fantastic job in doing this place up!
all the staff who we came across were super friendly and are willing to help!

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to be invited to the preview opening night of Manchester’s ‘reborn’ Central Library after its lengthy £48m refurb.
The library’s ground floor, once closed off, is now unrecognisable with informative local history displays, film booths and an interactive wall to access insightful archives.
The new café, hosts images from the collection of over one million books, which will be projected onto tables.
Whilst the ground floor conveys modern design, as you work your way up to the following three levels, the Library retains many of its original features, but still mixed with contemporary features.
The pinnacle is a striking view upwards through a glass ceiling into the famous reading room and the building’s iconic dome which have been restored.
The majestic reading room — the library’s historic focal point — includes the original furniture designed by architect E. Vincent Harris and new specialist display cases which will allow visitors to view some of the city’s most treasured works dating back to the 13^th century.
Below ground, the city’s lending library and an interactive, secret garden themed children’s library create the city’s biggest yet lending space, alongside 12 secure, climate-​controlled vaults housing works that pre-​date 1850, newspapers and modern Manchester treasures such as books on Morrissey and Manchester United.
In summary, a visit to Manchester wouldn’t be complete without exploring the new Library. For more information and to plan your trip head to

Perhaps, one of the best things about the Central Library is that you cannot miss it. It sits in front of Television House, between Midlands Hotel and the Town Hall extension. Oh, and a tram stops just outside.
For a municipal library that is not academic the collection is rich in all sorts of books and documents. I started using the Central Library as an historian, and I knew a lot of people who used it for Local History research. And then I discovered rather good Languages, Literature, and Art History collections, so the last few years I’ve been mostly using those. There are many more resources for citizens and students.
Apparently, the Library also has a splendid Music Collection; I once followed their exhibition dedicated to Maria Callas. And their CD and DVD collections are also quite good, perhaps CD even more so, especially music recordings.
The staff is friendly, and there’s a rather lovely café downstairs.

Call me a total geek, but I walk by Central Library and my heart skips a beat. I might not know much about architecture but I think this building is beautiful, and it makes me proud to be Mancunian. The building process began in 1930 and Vincent Harris, who was very much inspired by Roman architecture, designed it with those beautiful columns that everyone recognises. Nowadays, the public are welcome to join the library using whichever counter they please on any public floor.
The library provides electronic resources and public computers with internet access as well as the usual books and journals, CDs and films. They’re more than happy, however, to have people simply come and explore the building — something many want to do, considering it’s so attractive. The staff on every floor are helpful and I signed up in about five minutes the first time I went.
The Manchester Library Theatre Company are also based here, with plenty of Tom Stoppard and Sam Beckett on offer as well as entertainment to suit all tastes, from theatre diehards to families or musical fans. And I can’t think of anywhere more beautiful and cultured in Manchester to take in a play. Now if you’ll excuse my little bout of Stendhal syndrome, I’m off to read something important.

Fantastic building. You don’t need me to tell you that though, it’s so obvious.
The contents are pretty good too. I remember being very impressed by the selection of music scores that I was choosing from.

I used to live with a musician who often played at funerals. When she was asked to play at a wedding this was something of a shock and she realised she didn’t have the music she needed, so I accompanied her to this library on a quest to find sheet music for the violin for the ‘doo doo dooo dooo here comes the bride song’ (exactly what she called it in the library) and various other pieces of wedding music. I was overwhelmed by the helpfulness of the staff who did absolutely everything they could to find her the appropriate music, including going off behind the counter to look for it and calling over a violinist member of staff.
I’ve also used the internet at this library when I wanted a change of scene from job-​hunting alone in my bedroom and was again delighted with the helpfulness of the staff, and the fact that everybody else using the PCs were working on their CVs and desperately posting them on Monster too.
The building is just as beautiful from the inside as from the outside, and I’d recommend sitting in the central reading room (underneath the dome). The only problem is that the library has an air of strictness about it that is not present in the local libraries such as Chorlton, Didsbury and Withington therefore it is not as conducive to group work or children as those libraries.

I like my libraries big, bold and beautiful. The Central Library is all three of these adjectives and more besides. It’s impossible to ignore it as you move towards Piccadilly, and I don’t understand why you would want to; it’s a beautiful building.
Once you enter you’re greeted by a large staircase, equally as splendorous as the outside, and multiple areas in which to take books out and read them at your leisure. I once came here looking for a play to put on at my hall, and spent a nice few hours reading through several in the sunny daylight. It’s a memory which really drives my opinion of this place, and I do keep meaning to return again.

This libary is a breath of fresh air compared to my experiences of other libraries (mainly liverpool central library). The atmosphere is nonthreatening and the staff are really friendly.
I must agree with last review that the place could do with modernising itself e. g getting wireless, but hey at least it keeps the whole traditional feel going.
Last time I went to Central Library I must admit I walked out rather flustered at the fact I had sat at a computer for over half an hour writing a lengthy email only for computer to turn off due to some weird computer virus thing. Has anyone really ever thought about these computer bugs/​viruses …they baffle me to be quite honest. I gave still forgive because they place overall is great.