I've genuinely never left a bad review in my life, but the experience I had at Manchester Central was beyond disappointing. I came in to print a few pages and was incredibly polite the entire time--even when things kept going wrong. The papers kept coming out incorrectly, but I stayed calm and asked nicely if they could be reprinted. At no point was I rude or demanding. Eventually, the price on the screen didn't match what it should've been, but I even said I'd just pay the higher price to avoid causing trouble. After paying, one of my documents printed completely wrong--an A3 image came out as A2 on an A3 paper, with no visible writing. I pointed it out and explained that I wouldn't pay again for a print that was clearly incorrect. This clearly upset the ginger receptionist at the bottom front desk, who suddenly told me (in a very rude and dismissive tone) to not come to her anymore and that I should take out cash and print everything myself. Even then, I told her it was fine--I actually felt bad for making her print something I didn't pay for, even though it was their machine's error. But on my way back to my seat, I overheard her talking about me to another receptionist, and when I showed the incorrect printout again, another staff member (with shorter hair) said it was my fault. I've never been treated with such disrespect by people in a public service role. You'd expect librarians to be kind, helpful, and professional--but what I experienced was the opposite. I walked out feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable, despite being nothing but polite and patient throughout. Absolutely shameful service. read more

If you're a Manchester resident, whether that be from one of the boroughs of the city, like me who might have their own unaffiliated library chain, the Manchester Central Library certainly makes it worthwhile to be apart of Manchester City Council's Library programme, which is by far the best library service overall in the Greater Manchester region by availability of the newest books and even individual library locations, like this one. Manchester Central Library is a huge, stunning old building which was recently renovated in 2014 in Manchester city centre, it is just off Deansgate via Peter Street in St Peter's Square meaning it is also close to John Ryland's Library (which has actually been reviewed more on Yelp!) The location basically opposite a branch of Starbucks as well as The Midland Hotel and the Radisson Blu Edwardian, the latter is part of the exclusive few places to actually have warranted a perfect five-star rating from me (and the only accredited 5* hotel in the city centre) The City Library is on the lower floor, but that doesn't mean the rest of the building is left empty - the ground floor features a Cafe which is reasonably priced as well as a cool archive space, which although to the back of the library could be laid out better, it still is a rather nice exhibit. There are some tables and computers making it a decent place to work, obviously with the benefit, you don't have to buy a drink with it being a library building. It was actually built in 1930 here, taking four years to complete and that same length of time was spent on the renovations between 2010 and 2014 and part of the design is based from the Pantheon, Rome, meaning walking into it, it feels like a fancy old building, it reminds me of a typical Apple Store which in large cities are often located in these big, impressive, historic buildings - think of London, Berlin etc. A pretty cool place to spend time without looking to spend too much in the city - although there are some areas of improvement such as the layout and how welcoming certain parts are (certain parts appear derelict), more charging points and helpful staff is always a bonus! 4* read more

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Modern library in the heart of the city. Business and IP centre is worth a visit. Good cafe. Directly opposite Tram station. read more

Manchester Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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Since its reopening a year ago the library has become my all time favourite place in the city, I can't express enough how much I love this place. From the totally reimagined space comes a huge variety of activity that makes the library a full day out for both adults and kids alike. Some think that having games consoles is very sad in a library, I wholeheartedly disagree, anything that gets people through the door and encourages them to stay is an amazing thing, if just 5% of those kids pick up a book and start to read then society heads in the right direction. The music area and the unbelievably beautiful working hall on the first floor are just gorgeous and the mechanical stacks circling the top are incredibly diverse and provide a very nice environment for a reference library. I could harp on all day, but if you don't go to the library, make today the first visit... I guarantee it won't be your last! read more

Manchester Central Library - Putting yelp freebies to work ;) - Libraries Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to be invited to the preview opening night of Manchester's 'reborn' Central Library after its lengthy £48m refurb. The library's ground floor, once closed off, is now unrecognisable with informative local history displays, film booths and an interactive wall to access insightful archives. The new cafe, hosts images from the collection of over one million books, which will be projected onto tables. Whilst the ground floor conveys modern design, as you work your way up to the following three levels, the Library retains many of its original features, but still mixed with contemporary features. The pinnacle is a striking view upwards through a glass ceiling into the famous reading room and the building's iconic dome which have been restored. The majestic reading room - the library's historic focal point - includes the original furniture designed by architect E. Vincent Harris and new specialist display cases which will allow visitors to view some of the city's most treasured works dating back to the 13th century. Below ground, the city's lending library and an interactive, secret garden themed children's library create the city's biggest yet lending space, alongside 12 secure, climate-controlled vaults housing works that pre-date 1850, newspapers and modern Manchester treasures such as books on Morrissey and Manchester United. In summary, a visit to Manchester wouldn't be complete without exploring the new Library. For more information and to plan your trip head to www.manchester.gov.uk/centrallibrary read more

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I absolutely love Manchester's 1930s version of the Pantheon - it's looks impressive and beautiful during the day and also lit up at night time. This part of the city centre is a history buff's dream - the library is hemmed in by the neo-Gothic Town Hall on one side and the Edwardian red bricks of the Midland Hotel on the other. I regret to say that I hadn't been inside until 2014, after its four year expansion, renovation, refurbishment and modernisation. What the architects have managed to achieve is a public building that's now completely spec'd out for the 21st century, whilst keeping its beautiful interior and history at the forefront. You enter an open-plan atrium which is full of interactive displays on local history and a café serving snacks. On the first floor is the Great Hall, a large reading room for 300 people topped by a beautiful dome. Around the outer rim and over the four floors there are dozens of seating areas so you can spend time doing your studies or read a good book. There's even a Media Lounge complete with games consoles! I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a lot more of my time here in the not-too-distant future. read more

I used to live with a musician who often played at funerals. When she was asked to play at a wedding this was something of a shock and she realised she didn't have the music she needed, so I accompanied her to this library on a quest to find sheet music for the violin for the 'doo doo dooo dooo here comes the bride song' (exactly what she called it in the library) and various other pieces of wedding music. I was overwhelmed by the helpfulness of the staff who did absolutely everything they could to find her the appropriate music, including going off behind the counter to look for it and calling over a violinist member of staff. I've also used the internet at this library when I wanted a change of scene from job-hunting alone in my bedroom and was again delighted with the helpfulness of the staff, and the fact that everybody else using the PCs were working on their CVs and desperately posting them on Monster too. The building is just as beautiful from the inside as from the outside, and I'd recommend sitting in the central reading room (underneath the dome). The only problem is that the library has an air of strictness about it that is not present in the local libraries such as Chorlton, Didsbury and Withington therefore it is not as conducive to group work or children as those libraries. read more

Manchester Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Manchester, XGM

This Grand Building has just had a huge renovation and is now open to the public! Its huge grand entrance is inviting to such a great iconic building in Manchester. The lovely entrance way and foyer greets you with its huge ceiling and staircases on each side. There is a lovely little cafe on the 1st floor with lovely seating areas so you can enjoy the wonderful architecture, there are books everywhere for any age or anything in general, there are some great book on travel which i was happy about and got a few book on california for our trip later this year. There is something for everyone in here and even if you're not a book fan I'm sure you could find something to read. Its very modern looking throughout and they have certainly done a fantastic job in doing this place up! all the staff who we came across were super friendly and are willing to help! read more

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This libary is a breath of fresh air compared to my experiences of other libraries (mainly liverpool central library). The atmosphere is nonthreatening and the staff are really friendly. I must agree with last review that the place could do with modernising itself e.g getting wireless, but hey at least it keeps the whole traditional feel going. Last time I went to Central Library I must admit I walked out rather flustered at the fact I had sat at a computer for over half an hour writing a lengthy email only for computer to turn off due to some weird computer virus thing. Has anyone really ever thought about these computer bugs/viruses ....they baffle me to be quite honest. I gave still forgive because they place overall is great. read more

Manchester Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Things have moved on in the library scene a bit since I was a kid - and I'm only 32. In fact when I first moved to Manchester 7 years ago the central library was looking very tired, even if it did keep it's grand facade and sense of history on display for all to see. I used to visit at least 4 times a week - sometimes to use the internet (this was the stone age after all) and to grab books and cd's (remember these) from the main hall. Wow how things change as now the internet is everywhere for free, we all have smartphones, the net speed used to crawl along and you'd have to queue to use it - while fighting off saber tooth tigers and raptors in the lobby if I remember correctly... So even though our library shut for around 3 years and a part of my weekly routine was put out, it really has so been worth it - what a fantastic facility and a place that will hopefully stand the test of time for many a year while still giving a nod to its past. On this visit I only really had a chance to sit on the ground floor in the archives section and use my laptop while enjoying a nice peppermint tea from the onsite cafe, a really nice oasis of calm in the city centre! I'm looking forward to going back and exploring more here - it's definitely a place to explore and put aside some time to go and check it all out properly. read more

Over the last five months I have spent a lot of time in the Central Library working in the beautiful reading room upstairs. If you enjoy the sound of silence then this is the place for you. The big domed ceiling casts an air of light and intelligence across the room - it is a wonderful place to work or read. I have also used the library to take out books for my own leisurely reading - the selection isn't huge and I can never find any of the more recent titles but perhaps that's just me. The ground floor cafe and archive space is fantastic. The food and coffee at the cafe is remarkably good - I recently had a chocolate brownie from there that I rate as one of the best brownies in my brownie-eating lifetime. And I've eaten a lot of brownies. The coffee is decent too and the staff are improving in their barista skills. If the Manchester City Council would let me, I'd live in this place. read more

Call me a total geek, but I walk by Central Library and my heart skips a beat. I might not know much about architecture but I think this building is beautiful, and it makes me proud to be Mancunian. The building process began in 1930 and Vincent Harris, who was very much inspired by Roman architecture, designed it with those beautiful columns that everyone recognises. Nowadays, the public are welcome to join the library using whichever counter they please on any public floor. The library provides electronic resources and public computers with internet access as well as the usual books and journals, CDs and films. They're more than happy, however, to have people simply come and explore the building - something many want to do, considering it's so attractive. The staff on every floor are helpful and I signed up in about five minutes the first time I went. The Manchester Library Theatre Company are also based here, with plenty of Tom Stoppard and Sam Beckett on offer as well as entertainment to suit all tastes, from theatre diehards to families or musical fans. And I can't think of anywhere more beautiful and cultured in Manchester to take in a play. Now if you'll excuse my little bout of Stendhal syndrome, I'm off to read something important. read more

OMG, since they renovated it , this library is heaven. One of those new library where everything is made you make you stay the whole day: if you wants to study in the classical library with old table and beautiful books, just go upstairs and pass the music specialised section ( with free instruments and extremely precise documentation ), you'll arrive in one of those place where you can't do anything but being quiet : there is no noise , only tables , and quiet people studying. Upstairs are classical references , and downstairs is a cafe and a " new library " with a huge variety of books of every languages and fields . There is free wifi in everywhere and plenty of computers including brand new I Mac free to use . Registering is as simple as borrowing thanks to tactile screens placed everywhere . Such. A nice library...! read more

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Manchester's Central Library is housed in a stunning, round 1930's building with Romanesque columns, making it one of the city's finest pieces of architecture. Inside, you'll find a vast, contemporary space offering all the latest in modern library technology and amenities. For example, there is a Media Lounge, where you can access iMacs, PCs and creative software such as Adobe Creative Suite as well as a host of up-to-the-minute gaming consoles - perfect for geeky types, like me! Film buffs can enjoy highlights from the world's best and most diverse collection of British film and television in private booths, which apparently, double as great places for couples to have a smooch (I heard this on the radio, I haven't tried it myself... yet)! The Henry Watson Music Library has now been extended and boasts an array of musical instruments as well as a DJ mixing desk! But if you're not in the mood for jamming or raving, there's a wide selection of music CDs, DVDs, manuscripts and books that'll keep you entertained for hours. You'll also find a number of public meeting spaces, DVD collections, audio books, a children's library, newspaper and magazine archives, fiction, non-fiction, large print and language books. If you use the exit at the rear of the building, you'll walk through a beautiful old curved hallway, with a high, intricately decorated ceiling and tiled floor. In this peaceful and refined part of the library, you can sit back and enjoy your newly borrowed books on the leather sofas before returning to the hustle and bustle of the city's streets. Or, if you're a coffee and cake person, the library's cafe is a great place to sit and enjoy a breather before exploring the library's many nooks and crannies. It's free to join and returning/taking out books couldn't be easier - just scan the barcodes under the self-service machines and Bob's your uncle. read more

Love the refurb. Coffee - Americano if you're offering, is £1.80 - sandwhiches and cake feel overpriced! They do however give you a loyalty card for 1 in 10 coffee's free haha. Anyway. You're not here for the coffee? Unless you are? Good spot for meetings in the ground floor cafe area afterall. There's some Film and local history archives on this floor as well. And some pretty comfy seats and headphones to watch them with! They have probably the most fantastic room in Manchester - archecterially; assuming you're here to study! SHHHH. No talking in the Reading Room. (1st floor). The business area on the 2nd floor has some helpful staff, and if you're studying you can reserve some of the Library Carels (like carol, but works all-year-round) - little 2 man rooms that make you feel like you're studying in same rooms as historical figures! The 2nd floor also has a music area, where if you're good you can play piano, or rent out cds or dvds if you're not - medium that are still a thing in libraries I guess. It's all circular and lovely. I can't think of any other circular buildings in Manchester? Now there's a challenge for you. The council has sadly messed up the Library Walk between it and the town hall with what only can be described as a cover bought by a dodgy geyser with a time machine and a one way trip from the 80s. HIDEOUS. Thanks for spending £3 million on that from our council taxes! Though the other £43 million for the refurb feels extremely well spent - go figure! Visit and study. Feel like you're stepping into the steps of famous historical figures. read more

Over the past couple of months I have spent a lot in the Manchester Central Library. I enjoy the sound of silence while in the library. It is a wonderful place to read or work. I can't express how much I like this place. The ground floor cafe and archive space is great. The food and coffee at the cafe is remarkably great. read more

The Central Library in Manchester is one of the finest buildings and institutions in the city. Sat on the edge of St. Peter's Square, it almost looks straight down Oxford Road, facing towards the heart of education in the city at the University. It also happens to be a fantastic library. Architecture aside, the collection of resources here is fantastic, and it is very easy to spend an afternoon here. With a café and a fully functioning professional theatre in the basement, the library is one of the most culturally significant venues in Manchester, and has the benefit of being accessible to all for free! The Café, incidentally, serves a wonderful cup of coffee!! I like it a lot. The Architecture (I have to talk about it!) is divine. The rotund reading room in the centre of the building is one of the most magnificent I have ever been in, and the high ceilinged library rooms, marble stairwells and grand corridors all add up to make the library one of the most remarkable buildings of its kind. It can be slightly difficult to navigate around, but despite that, it is definitely worth the hassle, so please, I urge, you, go and sign up if you haven't already and seize the opportunity to work in this unique place with both hands. You won't regret it. read more

Woop woop, I am glad to be seeing a lot of love for Central Library. This is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in Manchester...and it has books in it! Yay! OK, seriously, you guys, joking aside, this is one of the most lovely beautiful libraries I have ever been to. The architecture is, as has been pointed out before, breathtaking, but not in a hugely obtrusive way. I've always found that, despite sitting on busy St Peter's Square, a mere-stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly Gardens, this round giant imposes a sense of peace on its surroundings, kind of like a cathedral. Maybe that's just because, to me, a library is more suited for worship than a church. And here, you can worship all the literary deities. Byron, Shakespeare, Sidney, Agatha Christie! The collections here are truly remarkable, and the staff are like book-knowing-eagles. That is, they, er, know where to look for the right book. And once you've got the right book, why would you want to take it back to your messy flat, with your boyfriend playing on his loud SNES, while the cat chases a receipt across the floor and the small French child upstairs throws a wobbler? What, is that just my life? Well, anyway, why return to normal life with your tome? No, take Kirsten's advice and sit awhile in the reading room. Ahhhh, feel that? That's the silken heaviness of contented, reading-rich, silence. The computers here, as with alllll public-access machines, are slow and a bit behind the times, but totally adequate for use. The magic-catalog-checking-computers are great, and tell you exactly where the book you want can be found, just in case the book-knowing-eagle staff draw a rare blank. The Central Library is really one of the most lovely places in Manchester, and I often pop in, not to get a book necessarily, just to sit and be quiet for a bit. It's nice to have that at the centre of the city. The only negative experience I have ever had here is that once, when I was queuing, the fire alarm went off and we all had to vacate. I had to leave the book behind, and still feel guilty for not re-shelving it. read more

This is a great place to have lunch in the centre of Manchester probably one of the mist interesting buildings in the city, you can find this hidden gem all good is cooked in the dsy with winter special such as Lancashire hot pot served with red cabbage. There is a homemade soup of the day. A selection of vegetarian sandwiches yoghurt pots. Coffee and teas the menu is small and simple just enough for a relaxing lunch before you go back to work. read more

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So I don't normally give a 5 star rating but I couldn't even knit pick one tiny thing wrong with my experience and visit to the library. I did not visit for the usual or conventional reason of loaning a book, doing research and finding a quiet place to study. Oh no I attended a private evening dinner. On arrival there was immediately a sign to direct is to the lift! so no looking dazed and confused about where to go or what to do. On exiting the lift a member staff met us and directed us to the dining room which doubles up as a committee room. On entering the room our coats and umbrellas where delicately placed in the coat stand and we were offered drinks. I started with a gorgeous fresh orange juice in a tall crystal glass. You could have other drinks including an impressive wine selection. The rest of the guests arrived and we were soon asked to be seated. The table was arched to fit with the shape of the room, as the library is circular for those or are wondering what the hell I'm talking about. Each place was set with the back drop of black table cloth, silver cutlery you could check your hair in it was that polished. And a selection of wine glasses. The Room had each councillor and all librarians name of the last and this century carved into it the gorgeous wood that surrounded us. Not to sound like me Nan but the room temperature was just perfect. The staff entered offering us drinks and placing our napkins gently on our laps. The red wine was divine. A nice soft velvety texture full of rich and smooth flavours. It was pale in colour and clung to the glass. Always a good sign for a fine wine. When the food came it was over 4 courses. Starter was a selection of warm bread and proper butter with prawns wrapped in salmon with a pepper and lime side salad. The main was beef Wellington in a gorgeous red wine jus and seasonal veg. Yummy. The dessert was a rich tart with a raspberry sorbet side. Following that was fresh coffee and chocolates. The portion sizes were just right. The food was a good temperature and all 20 people served within a minute of each other. What was the most fascinating and amazing to watch was the the perfectly timed display that was the waitresses. They were Like ninjas. All dressed in black. Silently placing the food in front of us. They would appear in a trio. The lead would do a gentle nod and like swans elegantly they all placed the food exactly at the same time in front of each of us. There arms, The arched lean forward was like a ballet to watch. Mesmerising. Made my evening. If you are having a works dinner or even a posh birthday for mum or Nana I would highly recommend this place. read more

Nice Library, I go there to study or use the free wifi. You can meet people from different walks of life from professionals to students, to everyday people using the library services for their needs. Very multicultural and safe. Nice secure environment, Very big, can get lost at a time. read more

The central library was my visual landmark while coming up Oxford. Do I turn on Portland, or continue on to the unknown? But it was the place I checked out sheet music, novels, plays, CDs, and hid within during the rain or loneliness. Oddly enough, this library was the reason I never had to buy my required books for classes. The university library would be full out, but the single short wall of fiction would have exactly what I needed. I remember the basement has an interesting lecture hall. The building itself is built in a round, and I lived the central reading room. God forbid you make the slightest noise. The only bothersome element was that the hours became inconvenient. The single guard would come around and close up the floors many minutes early, lights would flicker, and I'd be put out in the rain yet another evening. read more

The place looks great from both the outside and in, the staff are friendly and helpful, the collection of books is unsurprisingly huge, there are the usual library strange people who scare you in the toilets, the only let down is that it doesn't have wi-fi, but this is a pretty hefty let down for a big city library these days. read more

Manchester Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Manchester Library is one of the most lovely buildings in Manchester. With it's circular, dome-like construction, it looks much older than the 70 years it has existed. But it really is a great addition to Manchester's architecture and sits in the heart of the city on St Peter's Square. I came to the library a lot when I first moved to Manchester because I need the internet a lot for my work and we didn't have it in our new flat. Manchester isn't exactly overflowing with internet cafes so I chose the library for my internet needs. The computers aren't the most modern and you can only really book a maximum of an hour (booking in itself is a bit of a faff) but then demand is high so I just took what I could get. As it stands, there is no wifi in this library, which is good for warding off those (like me) who just need some free internet, but bad for those who actually want to combine using the internet with whatever research they're doing in the library. As an actual library this place is totally beautiful, steeped in history, character and vastness. It's an inspiring place to get involved with literature. read more

One of the loveliest buildings in the city, and probably what most people mark as the city centre if they're too embarrassed to admit that its actually the terribly ugly Piccadilly "Gardens". Anyway it's the 21st century so libraries are completely obsolete but hopefully the wonderful building could still be put to good use somehow. read more

Fantastic building. You don't need me to tell you that though, it's so obvious. The contents are pretty good too. I remember being very impressed by the selection of music scores that I was choosing from. read more

This library is so impressive you'll literally lose days here! There are several floors and plenty to look at. The family history section and archives are particually interesting. weekend are particulary busy and it can be difficuly to get onto a microfich machine. I would recommend going during the week. Staff are very helpful and are always willing to demonstrate anything you need. The building itself is impressive to walk round. read more

The Local Studies section of Central Library is really useful if you are researching or interested in the history of the north west or family history. They have lots of books for the wider Lancashire area which are not available elsewhere - some are self-published and have found their way onto the shelves! I've never used the archives but have always found that staff bring materials up from the stacks really quickly when I've called up other items that are not on the shelves. The staff are really knowledgeable about both the local area and the material that the library holds. The microfilm section is also very good, they have local, national and trade papers going back a couple of hundred years. The library's full collection is bigger than you'd think - there is a directory held at the counter in the centre of the Social Science library which gives you the full list. The only annoying thing about the microfilm at Central Library is that there are only two reader-printers. The Fashion Library is also fantastic - they have a good range of books and some interesting magazines on microfiche. They have copies of Vogue going back to the First World War! The building itself is beautiful too - you could easily waste a day wandering around looking at the architecture. Central Library is great for researchers as well as readers, get in quickly though - the library begins to close down for restoration work at the end of February! read more

Perched at the end of Oxford Road, the Central Library is one of Manchester's most distinct landmarks. With excellent facilities (free internet use for Manchester residents, extensive collections of DVDs and CDs rental etc.) and friendly staff; it's just a shame that more local people don't use it. It's worth taking a peak into the impressive the central reading room to take a look at the domed ceiling- just make sure you're nice and quiet! read more

Central Library is a spectacular domed shaped building not far from the city centre. For students who have their University Campuses, this library is unlikely to be the first choice since the book range is vast but not specialised like University Libraries are. But it is a great library to go to if you want commercial fiction, or the technical library for things like phone books, or the Chinese Library if you read Chinese, and the general readers area, which has the giant dome (say something and it will echo throughout) is also the area if you want to get a book out of storage. The atmosphere is amazing to work in. The downside is the PC's they have which house a not so comprehensive search system but you can always ask the staff if you get stuck! read more

The last time I was at the library was 10yrs ago - it has had a gorgeous & sympathetic makeover (I won't mention the library walk which has raised some eyebrows). Head down to the basement area for the Children's library - see the interactive puddle & the dancing birds on the walls - just beautiful. Then upto the reading room (which has retained it's original features thank goodness) & walk through to reach a selection of instruments which you can have a go on. Absolutely love it here & will make it a regular destination. Super speedy wifi throughout & a gorgeous cafe to boot! read more

Perhaps, one of the best things about the Central Library is that you cannot miss it. It sits in front of Television House, between Midlands Hotel and the Town Hall extension. Oh, and a tram stops just outside. For a municipal library that is not academic the collection is rich in all sorts of books and documents. I started using the Central Library as an historian, and I knew a lot of people who used it for Local History research. And then I discovered rather good Languages, Literature, and Art History collections, so the last few years I've been mostly using those. There are many more resources for citizens and students. Apparently, the Library also has a splendid Music Collection; I once followed their exhibition dedicated to Maria Callas. And their CD and DVD collections are also quite good, perhaps CD even more so, especially music recordings. The staff is friendly, and there's a rather lovely cafe downstairs. read more

A fantastic landmark, and a beautiful library. If you ever visit the great city of Manchester, you should pop in here. It's on all the main bus routes from Oxford Road to town, and it's very round - you can't miss it. read more

This library is magnificent architectually inside and out. you can smell the history as soon as you walk in the door. The layout is pretty good and self explanitory with easy access by elevator. There is also a cafe in the basement where you can unwind. read more

This is a really nice library and is apparently the largest municipal library in Britain.It was designed to look like the patheon in rome and at the entrance there is a stain glass window which is dedicated to william shakespeare.Like all librarys this is free to visit . read more

This is one of my favourite buildings in Manchester. It is a fantastic library with a thorough collection. I just love sitting quietly in the main section reading and listening to the echoing library sounds. The Arts section is great. read more

Manchester Central Library is a fantastic place to go for any Manchester resident. The building is a stunning work of architecture, like a mini Roman ampitheatre and is the hub of the central Manchester community. The facilities on offer are astounding, whether it is use of the internet (which is free), plotting your family history with its family archive centre of job hunting. On the ground floor is the general readers library where you can find general fiction and non-fiction books, dvds and music CDs. They have a wide range of authors and often have the latest DVDs on offer. The 1st floor is the Networks centre where you can use any of the 48 computers they have to study or browse the internet, the family archive centre or the literature section. The science and humanities section is very good and a very relaxing place to just sit and read. The second floor is a dedicated chinese centre and art library where you can browse books in chinese or take out opera or guitar books. They also have a huge on-line catologue where you can browse at your leisure. Also housed in the basement is the library theatre that often showcase new and emerging playrights, Shakespeare and modern plays and very good prices. Even if you are not a big reader I would recommend you go there just to see the inside of this amazing building. A must see. read more

A stunning building, this is definately worth a visit. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside. It has a lovely feel to it and I like to go and jsut have a wander around. I do recommend a visit to the theatre which is in the basement of the building. They show some fantastic plays. read more

a very extensive library large number of spefic areas covered as well as general readers and childrens books. most of the popular books have a few copies or you can resserve them online, you can also renew online to avoid any charges. they also have a selection of videos cds and casettes that you can rent for a small charge often less than at other video stores. there is quite a lot of seating if you wish to study there and also a nice little cafe in the basement that serve drinks and snack at a reasonable price. nice library with helpfull staff. read more

The central library is absolutely huge, with two or three levels. They have a massive selection of books on almost any subject you could think of, which makes it a great resource for people undertaking extensive reseach projects in any field. The staff are very friendly and helpful, with a great knowledge of book locations, which is needed because it really is that big. There is also free internet access available, this can only be accessed if your a member of the library. In terms of architecture, the library is fantastic with high ceilings and huge scuplted pillars. Even architect Sir Norman Foster, of architecture fame himself, would be proud of this place. He freely admits he was an avid visitor to the library for resources in his youth!! read more