Manchester Central Library REBORN

The beautifully refurbished and extended Central Library is open after a £50 million refurb.

The rebirth of this iconic and much-LOVED building will ensure that it is enjoyed by visitors from all corners of the world, now and in generations to come.

The historic features have been faithfully restored and transformed, bringing the building up to twenty-first century standards with some new features, too.

Now inside you can:

Use a computer (free for one hour), jump on their free wi-fi, borrow a book (there are four floors of information and stories for you to explore).

There’s a state-of-the-art digital media centre including creative software and gaming stations.

A British Film Institute Mediatheque – highlights from the world’s greatest and most diverse collection of British film and television.

A children’s library, as well as a Business and Intellectual Property Centre.

You can access regional and national collections of documents, photographs and films.

Henry Watson Music Library – unearth original treasures or compose, play and record your own music.

Discover rare books and special collections – including the Theatre Collection, the Gaskell Collection and the Broadside Ballads.

Visit the new cafe, buy vintage posters and enjoy an inspirational programme of author events, poetry, storytimes and workshops.

Central Library extension and the nearby Town Hall are known collectively as the Town Hall Complex. A transformation programme is currently underway, which will improve the buildings and preserve them for future generations.

Location

St Peters Square, Manchester M2 5PD

More info

manchester.gov.uk/centrallibrary

Photographs by Mark Waugh.
Manchester City Council.