There has been a public library service in Manchester since
1852, when the Manchester Free Library was opened in the Hall of
Science
in Campfield. It was well into the twentieth century, however,
before the City was able to build a Central Library fit for the
great collections of books, periodicals and other materials that
had been assembled by successive librarians and housed in a variety
of locations. The Central Library is one of Manchester’s
most famous and best-loved landmarks.
Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald laid the foundation stone of the
present Central Library in 1930 and it was opened by King George
V in July, 1934. The architect was Vincent Harris, who also designed
the neighbouring Town Hall extension. At the time it was the largest
public library in the country and it remains one of Britain's busiest
libraries, visited by over one and a half million people each year.
They come not only from Manchester and the North-West, but from
the rest of the United Kingdom and around the world to make use
of the wealth of resources to be found there. The Central Library
is one of Manchester's most famous and best loved landmarks. For
generations of Manchester residents and students, it has been not
only the place to study but also somewhere to meet friends. It
is open to everyone whatever your reason for visiting; for information,
education, leisure or simply to admire the building – It
is hoped that you find something of interest.The Library is divided
into subject departments and this guide can include only very basic
information about each one. These departments provide a wide range
of services which are constantly changing to meet the needs of
the users.
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