The John Rylands Library

This is a must see if you are in Manchester. It is on the main road and easy to enter and free. The architecture is absolutely amazing and will take your breath away. The exhibits are fascinating - all very well documented and you can spend as long as you want looking at everything including books, manuscripts and sculptures. In the basement the toilets are also worth a visit as they are from a bygone age!

You can ether take your time looking at books, remains of books, science and medical utilities and reading very interesting Storys about them or just take a Quick Tour though the historical halls. They are impressing and so well contained. Great staff and nice little store.

What a library! It's definitely a must do in Manchester, with it's beautiful neo-gothic arquitecture, interesting history and amazing contents.
I deeply recommend reading all the information about its creation for a deeper understanding and admiration.
Staff are very kind and helpful.
Spent round about an hour.

Having visited Manchester for many years I've somehow managed to miss this amazing lump of architecture until now. It's not exactly awful to look at on the outside and has dome amazing details but step inside and you'd have to be pretty cold inside not to be stunned. Really friendly staff and lots to see, photography friendly too (apart from a couple of exhibitions) but no tripods allowed.

From the outside, John Rylands Library looks kind of old and run down. But once inside, I was pleasantly surprised the high standard of maintenance and preservation the building has. Amazing to see and feel the lace wood paneling, the lightings, rows of original bookshelves. Highly recommended and in order to do justice, do spare 2-3 hours to wonder and explore the library. Better still join the guided tours so as to appreciate the history and stories behind it.

Excellent spot for a good read. This library despite being in the busy city centre has managed to create an ideal environment for those who need a peaceful moment or a few to have a good read. Their collection of literature is unique and unlike other public libraries their staff are very well informed about their collection. The nice little souvenir shop near the entrance is a fine touch. I’d recommend a visit if you’re in town and have a 10-15mins to spare.

Walked past this gothic building many times but had never been inside. The architecture inside is amazing. The gothic design is like the interior of a church but it is still a working library; a tranquil space away from the busyness of Deansgate. There are well presented displays about John Rylands and the history of the building and a small bookshop in the foyer. I highly recommend a visit.

This is an active city library coupled with an historic site built in memory of a major industrialist in Manchester. The University of Manchester oversees the operation and provides hosts/guides from their staff. The building has some amazing architecture and even more amazing history on the woman who funded and directed the design of the structure.

We didn't have tickets so we joined the walk in queue and entered almost straightaway. The staff at the door was very friendly.
Inside there was always a member of staff available for questions and the information displayed was very complete. The rooms were very beautiful, definitely worth a visit.

Defiantly recommend visiting library if you are fan of Harry Potter, or you just like books. Entry is free, and you can stay as long as you like. You can even grab a chair and do some reading in this beautiful place.