Fantastic library with lost to offer even the beginner in family tree research. Staff are helpful…read moreand friendly and willing to answer any queries or questions. Situated on Old Street in the centre of the town. Try to viit in the evening late afternoon. Busiest period mornings and lunch time

If you want to know the history of the old town of Stalybridge then the library is one place on…read moreyour list. Originally known as Astley Cheethams Library, it stocks old newspapers and history books about the town. One of the grandest buildings in Stalybridge, it itself is steeped in history, so why not go down and have a look. You can research old lords and ladies and even read up on the cotton industry in the nineteenth century that dominated Stalybridge and other neighbouring towns. The library also houses the locals art gallery which has permanent fixtures as well as fresh exhibitions. The library is great for local schools to visit and spend a few hours learning more about the town they live in as well as participating in the gallery exhibition. Go and see a magnificent building and learn something while you are there!

All libraries should be like this. I almost wish they didn't have a computer room now. Some things…read moreshould stay just as they were. The building is gorgeous and most importantly OLD and those swingy things that they use to count people in and out really do bring back memories of my childhood. For a public library, they have a really good selection of fiction with a cute kid's section. They also have a pretty respectable lot of records and newspaper archives where you can pretend to pay detective or something. The Astley Cheethams gallery (one of a surprisingly large number in the area) has a good amount of old school watercolours and the room itself, which is upstairs from the library itself, is really dark and moody. They usually have a few choice items for sale as well - I wouldnt really call it a gift shop but you know what I mean..

What an amazing and historic landmark! I would recommend anyone tour through the Library. The…read morearchitecture is beautiful and the rare manuscripts and artifacts they house are incredible. They are having a special display of one of Shakespeare's plays, one of the oldest New Testaments, even artifacts from King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. They will all be on display which will be quite amazing to see. This is a must see in Manchester! Truly amazing how it has stood the test of time.

Love spending time in libraries while on holiday (vacation) Stunning late-Victorian neo-Gothic…read morelibrary , John Rylands Library opened at the turn of the 20th century and is a gorgeous remnant of Manchester. Potter-heads would appreciate the look and feel inside the library is inspired the design for Hogwarts. I'm not sure if the Factory Records exhibit is still on display, but I'm a huge fan of Factory Records bands (ie. New Order, Joy Division, Happy Mondays etc.) and bands that came out of Manchester, the Smiths, James, Buzzcocks, The Fall to name few. It was an experience seeing original handwritten lyrics, instruments played, old punk zines, photos and badges on display.

Love libraries. I love this one too. It is great for resources locally and the Internet. When I…read morewent in it was a Saturday and packed with people wandering around looking for books and also children and adults on the computers. It has been modernised well and looks fabulous and has maintained itself as a resource centre for hundreds of people. It is great for school trips here to get children interested in reading plus they would have a field day with all the different things they could do. I think this is a great place to go if you are looking for local history or old newspapers.

A very busy place. Very helpful staff. I use this place as an IT base for printing, scanning etc…read morewhen travelling.Comfortable & warm, important in Oldham in winter. I wish it was open for longer. "Community Hub" is no idle boast. And you can park. Wonderful! I love it. Can't believe it's free!

Brilliant cenral library. The staff are friendly and helpful. The Archives section at the back is…read morereally goo for researching your family tree or just finding something out about the local area. Records are mostly stored on microfilm so its best to ring the day before your visit and book one. They are really popular. Upstairs is the art gllery with a good ange to look at. They also do school art workshops which are great. Been on one recently with the local school my kids attend. Even I enjoyed the glueing and sticking.

I joined the library a couple of months ago, when joining there was a discrepancy, they said I owed…read morethem £37 from 6 years ago, they address they had didn't match up to any address I'd ever lived at, the lady behind the counter was really helpful, they wrote off the balance and I was allowed to sign up. The reason I joined the library originally was because I wanted to read all the Harry Potter books again. Despite the books being very popular they always had the one in that I wanted. I love reading and read a new book about once a week so it's great having all these books available to me. Sometimes it's quite tricky to find one I want as they have the books scattered about on displays and things but usually I can find something I like the look of. The staff on the whole are friendly, there is one lady that always looks like she's sucking on a wasp but the rest are fine. The library is never too busy when I go so I never have to queue for long. I haven't been into the archive centre yet but plan to have a look round soon.

I've genuinely never left a bad review in my life, but the experience I had at Manchester Central…read morewas 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.

If you're a Manchester resident, whether that be from one of the boroughs of the city, like me who…read moremight 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*

Ive been a member since it opened and fair to say I've fallen in love with the place. The staff are…read morevery friendly and there is a community friendly feel to the gym. I've been going regularly for a month or so and the facilities are fantastic. Even at peak hour there's more than enough equipment not to disrupt your workout and members are extremely polite, respectful and focused. I have swimming and gym membership but have yet to try the swimming pools. There is one large one and a second smaller one for private and women only sessions. The studio space where various classes take place is sizeable, which is just as well because workshops are always full. The gym changing area is always in clean condition and is also very spacious. The library downstairs is also a genius idea and a perfect meeting/waiting place if you're hooking up with some friends after the gym. Whilst I walk here there is ample parking space behind the centre as well as numerous residential roads. My favourite part about Arcadia is that due to its locale, I can see myself making friends with some of the regulars in the coming weeks and finding a training partner. Whilst this isn't something I seek overtly because I'm fairly well motivated and don't see the need. My mind has changed gradually haven't witnessed first hand, benefits of having a gym partner. I can see that not only does it focus your efforts and push you a little further but it also makes the work out more fun (Obviously depending on your partner) As I'm missing out on the cricket season this summer due to a shoulder operation and consequent rehabilitation. I expect to become part of the furniture this summer.

A small library in the centre of Dukinfield . Situated across the road from Morrisons food store…read more Staff are friendly and helpful. If the book isn't there that you want they will order it in from a nearby library. Access to photocopying and computers. Theres also a smal art exhibition of local artist.

Stockport Central Lending and Reference library is located on the A6 (Wellington Road South) near…read moreGrand Central. It is a vast building filled to the rafters with every book on any topic you can imagine. It is the biggest library in Stockport. On the main floor you can nosey at all the books, use the internet for free (which you have to book in advance), browse the dvds and pick up information on classes and courses available in Stockport. Upstairs is the reference library which houses thousands of newspapers on film, maps, reference books, magazines and newspapers, and some wonderful historic books about Stockport. The staff are so helpful and will assist you to find any book you require. You can take out a library card and borrow up to 10 books at any time.

You could easily spend a day here. I love books and this library with its high ceiling is one i can…read morehighly recommend