Manchester Central Library
Manchester Central Library
Manchester Central Library
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
How to get there
- St Peter's Square • 2 min walk
- Mosley St • 6 min walk
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4.5
1,141 reviews
Excellent
725
Very good
316
Average
74
Poor
15
Terrible
11
APCMann
Rochdale, UK475 contributions
Jan 2020
This is an impressive building under a central domed roof. It is sited adjacent to the equally notable Manchester Town Hall.
It has served as a repository for books of all kinds since it's construction in the 1930s.
In our increasingly Digital Age it now serves as a hub for access to 'information', written, audible, visual, etc.. Like most Libraries it
provides Internet Connections to members of the Public.
But it also offers something that, unlike 'Data', is often in short supply these days. A place of peace and quiet, where one may concentrate
on the assimilation and utilisation of all that 'information', which we literally have at our finger-tips today. And where is that place of
peace and quiet? It is called the 'Reading Room', located under the aforementioned domed roof.
If you are in the area and have the time to spare, then drop into the Central Library and enjoy the Reading Room for what it is, a place to
think. Unfortunately it appears that thinking is also something in short supply these days.
There is a Cafe for bodily refreshment on the ground floor, and seating where you may eat your own food too.
The Metrolink Service is to be found a few yards from the Library Entrance and other transport links are readily available around
Manchester City Centre.
And it's free to enter!
It has served as a repository for books of all kinds since it's construction in the 1930s.
In our increasingly Digital Age it now serves as a hub for access to 'information', written, audible, visual, etc.. Like most Libraries it
provides Internet Connections to members of the Public.
But it also offers something that, unlike 'Data', is often in short supply these days. A place of peace and quiet, where one may concentrate
on the assimilation and utilisation of all that 'information', which we literally have at our finger-tips today. And where is that place of
peace and quiet? It is called the 'Reading Room', located under the aforementioned domed roof.
If you are in the area and have the time to spare, then drop into the Central Library and enjoy the Reading Room for what it is, a place to
think. Unfortunately it appears that thinking is also something in short supply these days.
There is a Cafe for bodily refreshment on the ground floor, and seating where you may eat your own food too.
The Metrolink Service is to be found a few yards from the Library Entrance and other transport links are readily available around
Manchester City Centre.
And it's free to enter!
Written 25 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin D
Bolton, UK1 contribution
Oct 2020
There is little doubt this is a beautiful iconic building and I have used it for many years now,
But sadly I have to say that currently I will not be setting foot in there for the foreseeable future.
The staff are and always have been very helpful,sadly they have no real protection at the main door, and once the public enter the building no one is enforcing the wearing of masks at all.
Considering the high rates of virus in Manchester at present, I find this unaccepatable.
Covid hotspot!!
But sadly I have to say that currently I will not be setting foot in there for the foreseeable future.
The staff are and always have been very helpful,sadly they have no real protection at the main door, and once the public enter the building no one is enforcing the wearing of masks at all.
Considering the high rates of virus in Manchester at present, I find this unaccepatable.
Covid hotspot!!
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shamsor
19 contributions
Sept 2020
Manchester Central Library is the headquarters of the city's library and information service in Manchester, England. Facing St Peter's Square, it was designed by E. Vincent Harris and constructed between 1930 and 1934. The form of the building, a columned portico attached to a rotunda domed structure, is loosely derived from the Pantheon, Rome. At its opening, one critic wrote, "This is the sort of thing which persuades one to believe in the perennial applicability of the Classical canon".
Written 21 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland64,782 contributions
Jun 2023
A superb centre providing services to the citizens and visitors, the great Neo-Classical edifice was opened by King George V in 1934. It replaced previous iterations of the Library.
It is tremendous within. A glamorous Reading Room with exquisite ornate features was full with studying and researchers. A central feature shows a florid clock suspended on four columns.
Over a number of storeys multitudes of volumes and collections are kept here in trust for the country.
A photographic exhibition was underway. Comprising a record of rock and pop stars at festivals and concerts. Such luminaries of that firmament as Van Morrison and Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan feature.
It is tremendous within. A glamorous Reading Room with exquisite ornate features was full with studying and researchers. A central feature shows a florid clock suspended on four columns.
Over a number of storeys multitudes of volumes and collections are kept here in trust for the country.
A photographic exhibition was underway. Comprising a record of rock and pop stars at festivals and concerts. Such luminaries of that firmament as Van Morrison and Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan feature.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big_Jeff_Leo
St Helens, UK22,621 contributions
Dec 2021
I have passed this impressive building many times but recently decided to call in to view the interior. It looks older than it is (completed 1934) and is modelled on a Roman Pantheon. The circular shape only adds to the feel of the building and you can actually walk round 360 degrees on the 4th Floor. The Book collection is impressive, with a clear focus on Manchester and a substantial collection on Music. There is a modern set of lifts to all of the four main floors and they have made significant investments to allow modern access to the archives, particularly the moving picture section. There is also a decent cafe on the ground floor and a small shop to round things off.
Written 17 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carolinny71
Oxford, UK30 contributions
Mar 2022
Quietly enter the reading room as try and hold your breath as you look up, a place where students come to study or just to read the daily newspaper. But please look up and read the beauty of this room. Also take a walk on the other floors and browse the books, and find a pop up gallery
Written 20 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steit Slings
Calpe, Spain274 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Majestic building with an amazing collection of books. The reading room, or rather reading dome, is an experience in it self. Do keep silent as it is very well used.
A special note to the hostess at the entrance who told us many stories about the library and it's surroundings.
A special note to the hostess at the entrance who told us many stories about the library and it's surroundings.
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C...
Victoria, Australia87,684 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Designed by E. Vincent Harris and facing St Peter’s Square is this stunning library. This is a domed shaped building with columns.
I was instantly fascinated by the building and it was on my list of “must see” places.
There are inscriptions next to the entrance announcing that George V opened the building.
There are security people at the entrances who will greet you politely. It’s definitely worth taking time to visit this library that whilst being beautiful also meets all of your needs as a place of learning.
I was instantly fascinated by the building and it was on my list of “must see” places.
There are inscriptions next to the entrance announcing that George V opened the building.
There are security people at the entrances who will greet you politely. It’s definitely worth taking time to visit this library that whilst being beautiful also meets all of your needs as a place of learning.
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kule Dude
Bromsgrove, UK930 contributions
Oct 2022
The library building is a circular, stone faced classically styled edifice. And inside, whilst there there have obviously been modern updates, items such as the reading tables and chairs have been retained, from the 1930's when it was commissioned.
Well done Manchester!
Well done Manchester!
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chefborn2eat
Manchester, UK989 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
A must visit place if you are visiting Manchester or live in Manchester. It's situated right next to St.Peter's Square tram station. There are 4 floors and each floor has something to offer. The lower ground floor is dedicated more towards children and toilets, the ground floor has many reading alleys with a cafe, the 1st floor has the dome where the music library is (and what a masterpiece it is), the 2nd floor has some meeting rooms and computers, so does the third, 4th floor has more books and the entire lobby has shelves with books and articles.
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine Joyce C
Rizal Province, Philippines
Greetings to the great librarians and staff of this organization/institution! May I know if you accept a foreign application for a certain library work/operation? I would also love to know your qualifications [if ever]. I am very much interested to know you more. Thank you!
Written 5 July 2022
Can I bring photographic paper and print on it at the Central Library?
Written 2 July 2021
Is it possible to view copies of the Manchester Evening News from the mid 1960s? I'm looking for a photograph of my wife. Is it possible to get copies of photographs?
Written 12 March 2020
Hi, Yes it is. We have the MEN available on microfilm. Just go to the staff desk on the ground floor and a member of staff will assist you.
Written 17 March 2020
Do you have disabled parking
Written 22 July 2018
Hi again. I have done some searching for you and the nearest disabled car parks are at St Peters Square. there are other car parks but well priced at Queen St £5 for two hours 5min from the library.
Piazza £6'80 for two hours 7min from the library.
I don't know how much St Peters Square is. and I am unsure how many disabled spaces they have.
Hope I have been of some help and this is I am able to find out.
Written 22 July 2018
I am sure they would be impressed by the technology especially where it is interactive. However I agree that the science museum would be better as there are things of interest for all ages. It is a full day when I take my grandson
Written 15 July 2018
Is it possible to view Manchester Evening news advert pages from 1989
I'm looking for a job advert from this time thanks
Written 20 September 2017
Hi,
Yes we have the MEN on microfilm. It's on open access and can be viewed anytime, no need to book. It's in Archives+ on the ground floor, behind the cafe.
Written 4 October 2017
Yes, the library is open in August. However it's not open on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Written 6 July 2017
Is there any special way I could search our ancestry?! In papers I have found my great grandfather was born in Manchester ! I am going to be visiting in a few weeks from the US!
Thank you,
Susie
Written 5 July 2017
Apologies for late answer due to log in errors. You can access lots of information thru the uk births,marriages,deaths register and ancestry website
Written 26 December 2017
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