History of Central Library
Introduction
Central Library has been used by generations of Manchester residents and students and has become one of Manchester's most famous and best-loved landmarks. However, it comes as a surprise to many people to discover that the library was built as recently as 1934.
These pages describe the building of the current Central Library, predecessors of the current library, the architect E. Vincent Harris, key features of its architecture and design, and some of the famous people who have been associated with the library over the past fifty years or so.
The Library Theatre
Manchester City Council is unique in running its own repertory theatre, the internationally renowned Library Theatre Company. Harris planned a lecture theatre for the basement of the building, but during the Second World War it was used as a studio by the BBC and in 1946 the council decided to use the area for theatrical performances. The first production, The Seagull, took place on 11 February 1947, and the Library Theatre Company was established in 1952.
Contents of History of Central Library
- Introduction (this page)
- Before Central Library
- Vincent Harris
- Building the Central Library
- Features of the Building
- Famous Names
Further information
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Central Library - The Stacks by David Woodcock
A fascinating behind-the-scenes video by one of our members of staff
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Central Library Reading Room panorama
A panoramic view of the Great Hall in Central Library provided by the BBC
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The Manchester public free libraries; a history and description, and guide to their contents and use (1899)
A digitised copy of 'The Manchester Public Free Libraries: A History and Description and Guide to their Contents and Use' (1899) (with pictures) by W.R. Credland is available on the Internet Archive
