Discover Manchester Central Library
Manchester Central Library, situated in the city's St Peter's Square, was originally opened in 1934. It is a Grade II-listed building, which (from the moment you approach it) appears reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon. The story of the Central Library is one of evolution—from its origins in the mid-19th century, through moments of celebration and change, to its present-day status as the UK’s most visited public library. It's clear that the building is more than a library to Manchester, it's a landmark.
The History of the Manchester Central Library
After the passing of the Public Libraries Act in 1850, this Northern city wasted no time establishing the Manchester Free Public Library at Campfield in 1852. It was a momentous occasion, attended by none other than Charles Dickens himself! However, due to safety concerns, the library soon relocated to the old Town Hall on King Street and later to Piccadilly Gardens in 1912.
By the 1920s, it was clear Manchester needed a larger (and more impressive) space to house its ever-growing collection. Enter E. Vincent Harris, the architect who transformed the city's literary landscape. In 1926, his circular design, reminiscent of Roman architecture, was chosen to create a masterpiece to complement the nearby Town Hall.
Construction began in 1930, with Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald laying the foundation stone. Four years later, in July 1934, King George V officially opened the library to much fanfare.
Beyond book storage the library has been many things over the years. During World War II, it became a place of solace and information for the community. In the 1960s, the library expanded its offerings by introducing the Chinese Library Service, catering to the city's growing Chinese community.
Manchester Central Library: A Circular Design
If you’ve ever strolled past Manchester Central Library, you might have thought, “Hang on, isn’t that the Pantheon?” And you wouldn’t be too far off! Designed by the celebrated architect Vincent Harris, the library takes inspiration from the grand Roman structure, featuring an impressive round design and a majestic two-storey portico that welcomes visitors from St Peter’s Square.
Encircling the building are five bays of grand Corinthian columns. As you gaze upwards, you’ll notice a Tuscan colonnade running around the second and third floors, all topped off with a sleek band of Portland stone.
But here's a fun twist—the roof that looks like a dome from the outside is actually just an illusion! The real dome, visible only from inside the Great Hall, is cleverly hidden within, giving the interior a cool focal point while maintaining a stylish disguise from street level.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall, located on the first floor, is a reading room furnished with original furniture designed by Harris himself. Full of charm and history, stepping inside feels like stepping onto the set of an old movie. Encircling the dome, you'll find a quote from Proverbs 4:7:
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her and she shall promote thee; she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her."
Back in the day, any sound made under the dome would bounce around in a never-ending echo. If you thought you could get away with a whisper, you’d be horrified when it then echoed dramatically around the space multiple times! Clearly this wasn’t giving good reading room vibes but thankfully, some clever soundproofing has taken care of that. Today, the space is perfectly suited for getting lost in a good book.
Shakespeare Hall
If you love a bit of drama (in the literary sense), Shakespeare Hall is a must-see. This ornate chamber has intricate stained glass windows, the centerpiece of which, designed by Robert Anning Bell, pays tribute to William Shakespeare and his most famous works.
Flanking the central window are designs by George Kruger Gray, showcasing the coats of arms of Manchester, its university, and the County and Duchy of Lancaster. These windows were a heartfelt gift from Rosa E. Grindon, in memory of her husband, botanist Leo Grindon.
The hall’s walls are clad in fancy Derbyshire’s Hopton Wood stone, and let’s not forget the ceiling, which is printed with the arms and crests of key institutions like the Duchy of Lancaster, the See of Manchester, and even the City of Manchester itself.
One particular highlight of the Shakespeare Room is a white marble statue, The Reading Girl, sculpted by Giovanni Ciniselli. This beautiful piece was a generous gift to the library in 1938 from the grandchildren of Daniel Adamson, the industrialist behind the Manchester Ship Canal.
Transforming Manchester Central Library
After a £50 million refurbishment, lasting three and a half years, the library reopened in March 2014. The project, delivered by Laing O'Rourke, won the prestigious Construction News Judges' Supreme Award in 2015 for its complexity and execution.
What’s the biggest change? Previously, only 30% of the space was accessible to the public, with the rest hidden behind the scenes. Now, those numbers have been flipped—70% of the library is open for all to explore, offering more services, more space, and a whole lot more to explore. As a result of its renovation, Manchester Central Library has become the UK’s most visited public library.
Features of Manchester Central Library
The library is packed with fantastic features that cater to all interests and age groups. Highlights include:
- The Wolfson Reading Room: The domed circular space perfect for quiet study and reflection.
- The Henry Watson Music Library, one of the UK's largest public music collections, offering scores, recordings, and rare manuscripts.
- The Archives+ Centre: An interactive digital experience with a vast collection of film clips, documents, and images.
- Media Lounge: The Media Lounge is equipped with Apple Mac computers loaded with top-tier creative software for aspiring filmmakers and designers.
- BFI Mediatheque: Love movies? The North West’s first BFI Mediatheque is housed right here, providing free access to an extensive collection of British film and TV, with a special section on Manchester and the surrounding area.
- The Children's Library: The jungle-themed Children's Library has interactive digital screens, and site-specific artwork. Parents also appreciate the cozy reading corners and baby-friendly facilities.
- Library Live Events: The Library Live program hosts an exciting mix of gigs, film nights, live performances, and open-mic evenings.
- Heritage spaces that were previously hidden, now open for the public to explore.
- A direct link to Manchester Town Hall, blending civic and cultural services seamlessly.
Fun Facts About Manchester Central Library
- Did you know? Anthony Burgess, the author of A Clockwork Orange, was a regular visitor during his school days.
- The library's book collections span a whopping 35 miles of shelving—that’s a lot of books!
- The building houses over 1.65 million volumes, making it one of the largest public lending libraries in the UK.
Visiting Manchester Central Library
Planning a visit? Here’s what you need to know:
Opening Times:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sundays and Bank Holidays: CLOSED
Getting There: The library is centrally located in St Peter’s Square, easily accessible via public transport, with tram stops and bus routes nearby.
Parking: There are seven blue badge parking bays behind the library on Mount Street for those with accessibility needs.
Facilities:
- Café: The ground-floor café serves delicious snacks, pastries, and Fairtrade coffee. A great place to refuel before diving back into the library!
- Library Shop: Looking for a unique souvenir? The shop offers a range of gifts, from literary-themed tote bags to quirky Manchester-themed goodies.
- Baby-Friendly: The library features baby changing facilities and a nursing room, making it a great place for families.
Explore Beyond Manchester Central Library with CityDays
Once you've explored the Central Library, why not continue your adventure around Manchester with a CityDays’ Treasure Hunt?
Treasure Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and friends—or even dates—together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
For more information about our Manchester Treasure Hunts then click here: Manchester Treasure & Scavenger Hunts | CityDays.
