Manchester Central Library

The city of Manchester, once recognised as the first industrialised city in the world, today has a population of 570,000. The Central Library occupies a central location with excellent transport links, situated adjacent to the City Hall. This impressive building, inaugurated in 1934, features a rotunda with a domed structure loosely inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The library proudly upholds its rich traditions. A significant portion of the building is dedicated to a large reference library, along with two specialised departments: one focused on music and the other on business information. The rotunda houses a tranquil and historic reading room. On the ground floor, Manchester Archives are located alongside a café and a visitor centre. The lending library, as it is known, is situated in relatively modest premises underground. Its services are notably shaped by activities for children, as well as an emphasis on the local and family history of Manchester and its surrounding areas. Additionally, the library provides an excellent collection of books in various community languages. THREE stars: Good