Really spectacular place. I was here for hours yesterday - just sitting on the tables with my laptop. It’s one of the best places to be in Manchester. You get a sense of great focus and concentration here when you’re surrounded by all these ancient books. The library is like something out of Harry Potter. Beautiful from every angle.

Such an incredible place so much history and so well kept. Lots of old books very well preserved. People at the reception very polite and friendly. Very well located within walking distance from the train station, Manchester Piccadilly. In my opinion this place is one of the ones to visit without a doubt.

It's a historical library at the heart of Manchester that may remind you Harry Potter movie. It has been built in 3 floors and there is quiet study place in its spectacular main hall to read a novel, do your projects or work with your laptop.

Possibly my most favorite place in Manchester :) beautiful architecture, the sence of antiquity just breaths on you. Entrance is free and you can just go in and study as many of our ancestors would have Just the staff is quite rude, so try to avoid them

Wow, what a place. The building is incredible in its architecture and contents, the library and exhibitions are stunning. The walls seem to ooze a sense of the interesting and important discoveries that no doubt have been made here. Very much worth a visit

An old public library with beautiful neo-gothic and Victorian architecture. The library was opened in 1900 and currently part of University of Manchester. It was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands. The library contains collections of rare books and old manuscript. The ambient atmosphere with amazing scenery is the main attraction point of this place. Entrance fee is free of charge.

Superb place open free to the public combining past and modernity... The various historical objects presented are magnificent. We have young people who were studying upstairs amidst thousands of books. you just need audioguides for foreign visitors (who don't speak English very well)

Such a beautiful space. Free to enter, great place to take photos and look at old rare books in the heart of Manchester.

One of Manchester's must-see places, especially if you're a Harry Potter fan. Gorgeous architecture and lots of history. It's actually a working library as well.

One of the most beautiful libraries I've ever seen. And I've seen quite a few. Added bonus of having all the books locked behind plexiglass... thus you have a built in excuse for not reading them. What more could you want?

Been Here many times before and I never tire of it ,, it was my Son’s favourite place in Manchester. I was actually shown onto the upper balcony once - I was told by one of the Curators that the tower is reputed to be haunted , She seemed prettier serious to me. Just a Beautiful place that everyone should visit at least once ,, there are lifts if you struggle walking and the Staff are really friendly.

I stumbled upon this place many years ago and recently returned. It looks a little like a gothic church from the outside. Inside it is a wonderful building, with vaulted ceilings, columns and embellished with decorative stone details. Lighting exentuates the shapes. The books are behind plexiglass but you still get a great sense of the overall experience. I found myself captivated by the array of sizes and different book spines. There was a well curated exhibition running when we visited. This gave a glimpse into some of the books Overall, it's a quiet place, as you'd expect from a library. There are lifts and it seemed like accessibility had been considered. Staff were welcoming and engaging. There can be queues to enter at certain times of the day.

I went for the first time on Friday and it was such an amazing experience, when I first looked down the halls I was in awe. The facts dotted around are great. The gift shop robbed me 70 quid but I got a beautiful dracula book (still haven't started reading it though) Definitely visit if you are in the town centre, I didn't realise how close it was until I actually went. No booking required and it's free to enter. (Also, waterstones is nearby and is a great shop and is 3 floors.)

Lovely place to visit, especially if it's raining or you want to soak up some culture. If you like architecture, then this is your place to come as there is plenty of opportunity to take photos. Also, if you are a keen photographer, this place is awesome to take photos, but baring mind, it can be busy at times, and you can't use a tripod or a flash on your camera. I would also say if you like your history then another reason to come here I'm sure the staff are able to answer your questions. They are approachable and willing to help you with your questions, etc, as they are very friendly and don't mind you asking questions. There are various rooms you can visit and in particular exhibitions too. I love coming here to remind me of what a lovely place we have.

Free neo-gothic library associated with University of Manchester - great collection of knowledge, with display items, benches / tables for study, and facilities. Connected you enter through the side shop and can see many great copies of classic books

Old, historical library with a stunning architecture. You can feel the Harry Potter and Hogwarts vibe here. One of the must-visit places in Manchester.

An astonishingly beautiful location right in the centre of Manchester, a place to breathe and have a refreshing break from the shopping adventures on the streets outside (although there's a neat little store in here too). The location is just extraordinary and with a changing rota of shows definitely worth returning to. It's free and inspiring and thoroughly recommended! And there's a cafe if you fancy a cuppa too.

IS STUNNING! Must visit now! 1 it's free of charge 2 they have a limited amount of person that can get in so that tou can have room for moving and talking pictures 3 Toilets available 4 atmosphere is sublime. Cozy light guide you through the library creating a very Howards atmosphere 5 you can fo and study there with no problem 6 there is also a cute shop there. 7 staff is super friendly and ready to help. You can see that they like working there What else to add to convince you going there??

A wonderful story! A truly marvelous place!!! A real working library with some of the rarest books on the planet! Our children were amazed at the treasures in the book shop downstairs. Wheelchair friendly throughout the building and the staff were most patient, informative and careful to point out certain features. It's been on our bucket list for a while and I'm so glad we put it on our priority list this time!

One of the world’s most beautiful libraries I have ever visited. It’s literally one of those places where you look it up online and it turns out to be even better than the photos. A must visit for anyone in town.

One of the best libraries I have seen!! Its beautiful architecture gives full Harry Potter vibes. A must place to visit in Manchester.

Beautiful building to have a wander in. We visited during an exhibition on Dante, and there was also an interesting selection of items highlighted from the library contents including Japanese culture, Jewish history, and midwifery. The central hall was stunning, and the exhibition inside described how the building came to be. A few students working inside, and friendly and helpful staff. Well worth a visit.

Great place to visit. Staff was friendly and ready to answer questions about the library.

What a magical place. So atmospheric with an ethereal edge.

Perfect representation of the city, old and new combined into one. The Library has great architecture inside and out, and it was worth the time to explore. The entrance was free. I recommend visiting.

We visited the library because the architecture looked beautiful but just happened to arrive when a tour was starting. Jack was our tour host and was really engaging and knowledgeable, if you can get a tour with him (it's free) then you are in luck! The history was interesting and seeing the modern and gothic breaks between the building is amazing.

The architecture is stunning and beautiful. I visited this library because I’m Harry Potter fan but turn out that it’s more than that as I’m so impressed with building and structure. Highly recommended if you visit Manchester as a must to see.

A very majestic building with a rich history. The tour was short and lovely and the library itself, although not quite that big, is filled with artifacts and information that makes time fly by. The neo-gothic interior is definitely something to look at. There wasn't any entry fee and there's a small gift shop filled with cute accessories.

View @ John Rylands Research Institute And Library. . The late-Victorian neo-Gothic building architecture of this building feels straight out of a fantasy / horror / dungeons & dragons / warhammer 40k lore. . Constructed of Cumbrian sandstone, shaded 'Shawk' stone and Barbary stone, the historic site is known for its reading rooms (yes, university students study here), the stained glass windows, and the collection of sculptures and rare manuscripts, including papyrus fragments. . Evokes a sense of awe.

Beautiful library, really interesting architecture and lots of really old (and big) books. Well layed out. It's supposedly active, but I didn't see any students working at any of the desks

Wandering amidst the neo-Gothic splendor of the John Rylands Library, a marvel that first opened its doors in 1900. Each stone whispers tales from centuries past, a testament to a time where architecture met art. This incredible treasure-trove, right in the heart of Manchester, has not only cradled wisdom for over a century but also served as a backdrop for – yes, it's a Harry Potter filming location!

A must see! And I would say… stay! The building is so full os detail and beauty. It invites you to pick a table and read, study or just feel quiet wonderful place. Full of historic books and explanations about printing. For you out there who love books and libraries it’s well worth a visit.

It was close temporary when I visited. So just saw it from outside. Liked the exterior of building, and also on deans gate so you can visit it during any time of day.

Beautiful architecture -Hogwartsesque (🧹).

This is a stunning library! Beautiful architecture and decor and a real step back in time. The exhibitions are very interesting and awesome to look at and I love the busts of old poets and writers. It is a beautiful place to visit! There are also some fun things to do for kids, and even some fancy dress (who doesn't love fancy dress?!).

Well conserved historical building. The interior is stunning.

Chris and Rebekah were amazing full of knowledge and helped us find a fantastic place for lunch after looking through the gorgeous library. Wasabi was an a1 sushi suggestion! Thank you!

Beautiful architecture and detailed stonework. Very organised in terms of numbers allowed in, wasn't as big as I thought it was but still impressive. A nice exhibition on journalism and cute shop. Cafe is closed and there is no luggage storage.