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The John Rylands Library

  1. Manchester
  2. Greater Manchester Museum
  3. Greater Manchester Library
  4. Manchester Library
  5. Stretford Museum

Reviews, get directions and contact details for The John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library

About

The John Rylands Library, Deansgate opened in 1900. Now part of The University of Manchester Library.

Story

The John Rylands Library, Deansgate, was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands. In 1889 the architect Basil Champneys designed the striking gothic building, which took ten years to build and was opened to public readers on 1 January 1900.

The Library became part of The University of Manchester in 1972 and currently holds the Special Collections of the John Rylands University Library. Mrs Rylands' memorial to her husband is now part of the third largest academic library in the United Kingdom, and the Deansgate building houses over 250,000 printed volumes, and well over a million manuscripts and archival items.

We are also on Twitter https://twitter.com/TheJohnRylands

Looking for The University of Manchester Library main page - see http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-United-Kingdom/The-John-Rylands-University-Library/25777209922

Address: 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH, UK
Phone: 0161 306 0555
State: Greater Manchester
City: Manchester
Zip Code: M3 3EH

opening times

Monday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM

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Reviews
What a wonderful library to visit! Expect a 20mins waiting in the queue outside but it well worth the experience. The beauty of the historical books and the interior of the building is breathtaking - for me at least. The photos don't show the real truth. Entrance is free of charge. No food or drinks can be purchased or consumed inside the building.
Probably the most beautiful library in the UK! I didn't know what to expect so I was speechless. The entrance is free and you can wander freely around the historical part of the library. It is a bit like stepping inside Hogwarts for me. The gothic architecture is beautiful with the corridors, staircase and of course the main library. It's a huge cathedral with a library inside with historical books. Some of them are exposed if you want to have a look. You can also sit down to appreciate the beauty, study or work. There are tables and desks available for everyone. If I was nearby I would have love working here for a day. Sounds magical! If you visit Manchester you can't miss this place. It's really the best thing to do in the city.
Went to this library with my friend previously, very astonished to see the lovely architecture and design of the place. Also there is a mini bay with a modern building right beside it, yet they were blended together very well. The differences and blending of both buildings are just fascinating. Again, our visit is just magically enhanced by the rare but welcomed sunshine. Took such great photos because of it as it shows how beautiful the stained glass windows are
The building itself is totally stunning, when built it cost a million pound to construct which in today's money equates 100 million and you can certainly see why with the attention to detail throughout the building.nIt could easily pass as a cathedral such is the standard of ornate workmanship throughout the library.nAnd then we get to the actual books which are standalone, some dating back to the 16th century right up to modern releases.nThere are also plenty of exhibitions within the separate parts of the library of which I found the one on the cotton trade Very interesting.nAll in all a great way to spend a few hours or just use the many reading rooms available to the public.nI also noticed a few guided tours while in there where everyone seemed to be enjoying.
We visited the library as part of our itinerary for a quick stay in Manchester. The JR library building is beautiful but we found it a bit tricky to locate the entrance.nnThe staff were welcoming but there was limited signage so it was a little difficult to understand what each exhibition was.nnSeeing all of the historic books in their glass casings was interesting but we were probably only in the library for around 30 minutes before having to find something else to do.
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