Chetham’s and John Rylands: Manchester’s Historic Libraries and Writers

This guide is for people who have moved to Manchester from abroad and want to get to know the city through its old libraries and its writers, whether you are here on your own, as a couple or with children. It explains how to visit Chetham’s Library and the John Rylands Library, what to expect at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and how to make the most of the Manchester Literature Festival, including the booking rules that often catch newcomers out.

• Chetham’s Library: book before you go
• The John Rylands Library: free, with no booking
• Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
• Manchester Literature Festival
• FAQ

Chetham’s Library: book before you go

Chetham’s Library calls itself the oldest public library in Britain, and it has been in continuous use as a public library for over 350 years. The building is even older. It is a sandstone building from 1421, built to house the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church. The library is named after Humphrey Chetham (1580 to 1653), whom it describes as the most successful gentleman merchant of seventeenth-century Lancashire. Its whole collection has been designated as being of national and international importance.

The most important thing to know is that you cannot just turn up. Chetham’s shares its site with Chetham’s School of Music, so visitors can only get in on pre-booked guided tours and events. Dates and times are on the library’s tour booking page, which is also the place to check current prices. The library tries to open to visitors five to six days a week, but school events, private tours and functions sometimes close it, so book your slot first and plan the rest of the day around it.

If you have children, check their ages. Since January 2026 all children must be aged 8 or over to join a guided tour, so this is a better outing for adults and older children than for a family with a toddler. If you want to arrange a group visit or need access arrangements, contact the library directly. The address is Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB, and the phone number is 0161 834 7961.

Researchers can ask for a reader appointment. Book at least one full working day ahead, and earlier if you can. The library says an email that has had no reply does not count as an appointment, and archival enquiries are dealt with Monday to Wednesday only.

The John Rylands Library: free, with no booking

Chetham’s takes some planning, but the John Rylands Library is easy. It opened in 1900 as a gift to the city of Manchester. It was built specifically to give the public access to rare books, manuscripts and archives, and it is now part of The University of Manchester Library. The building is neo-Gothic, and many people come for the architecture as much as for the books.

It is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.40pm. Entry is free and you do not need to book, but expect to queue outside at busier times. The library says the building is accessible, and its separate accessibility page has the details. The shop sells books, greeting cards and other items. It currently takes cards only, so don’t count on paying cash.

Before you go, check the events and exhibitions page. One current exhibition, The Forgotten Library: Enriqueta Rylands and her books, explores Enriqueta Rylands’ personal book collection. The visit page mentions no age limit, so this is the easier of the two libraries if you have younger children.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is a historic house and museum about the life and writing of one of the UK’s most important Victorian writers. It describes the visit as hands-on, with period rooms, a Victorian-style garden, expert guides and changing exhibitions. There is also a tea room and a gift shop.

The house is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with timed entry from 11am until 3pm. Booking is essential. The home page does not list prices, so check the house’s own booking page for current details.

Several events take place online, which helps if you are still settling in. The Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Online Book Group runs from 16 January to 10 December. There is an online event, Elizabeth Gaskell V Anne Brontë: Monsters and Madmen, on 21 October, and an online talk, Victorian Gothic: Haunted Houses and Night-time Terrors, on 28 October. At the house itself, Textile Art Celebrating Trailblazing Women runs until 31 October. For families, Silly and Spooky Sill-Haunters runs over October half-term, from 25 October to 1 November. The website also has a Families section that is worth reading before you book.

Manchester Literature Festival

The Manchester Literature Festival runs from 9 to 25 October 2026 and brings writers and thinkers from around the world to the city. If you are new to the city, it is a good way to meet people who love books.

The last week still has plenty on. M. John Harrison is on Tuesday 20 October and Hernan Diaz on Thursday 22 October. On Friday 23 October there is Lee Child: My Life in Books, and an event with Claire Lynch and Claire Adam. On Saturday 24 October you can choose between Eliza Chan and Sunyi Dean: Hong Kong Ghost Stories, and Dave Haslam with John Simm, Stephen Morris and LoneLady. The festival ends on Sunday 25 October with An Evening with Jackie Kay.

The festival also publishes a separate programme of events for children and families, and Dylan, Daisy and the Disco Ball with Robert Tregoning is on Saturday 24 October. Ticket information is on the Box Office and FAQs page. Outside October, the festival runs a spring programme of events and a year-round Creative Learning programme for young readers and writers. There are also volunteering opportunities if you would like to get involved.

FAQ

Can I visit Chetham’s Library without booking?

No. The library shares its site with Chetham’s School of Music, so visitors can only get in on pre-booked guided tours and events. Dates and times are on the tour booking page. On some days the library is closed to visitors because of school events, private tours or functions.

Can I bring my children to Chetham’s Library?

Yes, if they are 8 or older. Since January 2026 all children must be aged 8 or over to join a guided tour. With younger children, the John Rylands Library is the easier choice because you don’t need to book.

When is the John Rylands Library open, and does it cost anything?

It is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.40pm. Entry is free and you do not need to book, but expect to queue outside at busier times. The shop currently takes cards only.

When does the Manchester Literature Festival take place?

The 2026 festival runs from 9 to 25 October and has a separate programme for children and families. There is also a spring programme of events. Ticket details are on the festival’s Box Office and FAQs page.

Official sources: chethams.org.uk · library.manchester.ac.uk · elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk · manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

Last checked: 20 October 2026 against the pages linked above. Prices, opening hours and programmes change; the venue’s own site always has the current details.