Manchester City Council

Central Library

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 all.

Whatever your reason for visiting us - for information, education, leisure or simply to admire the building - we hope that you find something of interest.

The Library is divided into subject departments. Our web guide can include only very basic information about each one. Use the links ate the foor of the page about the services in Central Library. A history of Central Library and some of the famous names associated with the building is also provided, as are details of where to find us.

Most departments contain a wide range of lending material as well as reference books. Most also provide access to electronic sources of information. The Network Centre on first floor provides forty public access computers with internet access and a range of software applications. Within each department you will find more detailed guides to particular services and collections and, most importantly, staff who will be pleased to help you.

Pages in Central Library

1. You are here Central Library
2. Where to find Central Library

Further information

Commercial Library

For business information and related services.

Science and Humanities Library

For books and other resources on computing, emgineering, history, law, geography, medicine, politics, psychology, religion, science, sociology, technology, travel and more.

A history of Manchester Central Library

These pages describe the history and architecture of Central Library. They also take a brief look at some of the famous people who have been associated with the building.

Arts Library

For books on art, architecture, design, fashion, photography and film. Features an extensice collection of cult, art-house and classic movies on DVDs and video.

Chinese Library

For books, newspapers, magazines, CDs, videos and VCDs (mainly) in the Chinese language.

General Readers' Library

A busy lending library on the ground floor of Central Library. Provides fiction, popular non-fiction, music CDs, DVDs, and a children's library.

Henry Watson Music Library

Provides sheet music and music literature (both popular and classical), music hire and access to important manuscript collections.

Language and Literature Library

Provides literary fiction and classics, poetry, drama, world literature (in English translation and in original language) and language courses. Book and multi media material available.

Library Theatre

The Library Theatre presents a full programme of theatrical events all year round. Find out more on the Library Theatre website where you can also book your tickets online.

Manchester Archives and Local Studies

Home to a wide range of materials relating to the history of Manchester and family history.

Network Centre

The Networks Centre is Manchester Libraries' flagship public access PC resource, located on the first floor of Manchester Central Library.

Reading Groups

There are currently four reading groups meeting in Central Library reading a broad range of fiction. They are all free of charge and new members are welcome!

Contact the Council

Central Library

Central Library

Council services

Key information

Top searches