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John Rylands Library

150 Deansgate, Manchester, England (Manchester City Centre)
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Ranked #1 of 95 attractions in Manchester
Type: Libraries, Museums, Architectural Buildings
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Description: The University Library of Manchester provides an extensive range of services and resources to actual and virtual visitors.
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462 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    337
    112
    11
    2
    0
Date Rating
Katy, Texas, United States
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

Gorgeous library, happened upon it during a rainy Sunday and spent 1 1/2hrs. Amazing architecture and book collection. Craftsmanship outstanding, guide inside happy to explain the history to us.

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See 8 more reviews by Robin M for Manchester
England
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013 NEW

It is worth popping into the library on Deansgate to see such a lovely building and it is much more than just a library. They have a programme of guided tours by one of the curators or just have a wander round yourself and read the information boards.

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Manchester, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
199 reviews 199 reviews
49 attraction reviews
Reviews in 146 cities Reviews in 146 cities
168 helpful votes 168 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

We took our 12 yo son to JR on Saturday. He was mightily impressed with the book-lined walls, containing many historic tomes, though closed books only impress for so long. To take the experience to the next level, JR needs to open the books so that visitors can see what is hidden within. Of course, the 1000 year old bible... More

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See 8 more reviews by LiztheWhizz for Manchester
Northwich
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

if you want to experience something different in historic Manchester this is it stunning building both inside and out with much to interest everybody but young children

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See 2 more reviews by TimberlandJM for Manchester
Manchester
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

A group of us went into the library as part of a guided tour around the city centre. I was disappointed not to have been able to stay for longer. The architecture is amazing along with the helpful staff, well worth a visit even if you come form Manchester - I hadn't been before and have lived in Manchester all... More

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See 5 more reviews by Davina467 for Manchester
Camberley, United Kingdom
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

A great atmosphere, with so much to see..You could spend hours there if tyou needed research something..A great historic place to visit

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See 4 more reviews by metmancern for Manchester
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

Well worth a look in - and it's free! Nice just to have a wander around. The cafe is also nice - tasty scones and daily newspapers

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Manchester, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Lovely building, with lots of original historical features. Very interesting and has a great atmosphere.

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Southampton, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

The outside is wonderful with great gargoyles and interesting windows with a modern building right next door which makes them both look fabulous. But inside is where it's at, just stunning such a magical feel like stepping back in time or you could be at hogswort . You just want to sit down and lose yourself in a good book... More

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See 2 more reviews by Tail2Tell for Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Stunning architecture inside & out . Excellent cafe & reasonably priced too . Well worth a wander round even if it's not your thing , Just a lovely place

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