John Rylands Library
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 3EH
England
Website
www.manchester.ac.uk/library/specialcollections/
Reader enquiries
jrul.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
Visitor and event information
Telephone
Reading Room
0161 275 3764
Visitor and Event enquiries
0161 306 0555
Main Library
0161 275 3751
Fax
0161 834 5574
The John Rylands Library merged with Manchester University Library in 1972 to form the John Rylands University Library of Manchester. The John Rylands Library building on Deansgate in the city centre houses our special collections of older material, and holds regular exhibitions based on our stock. The building itself, constructed in the 1890s, is one of the finest examples of modern Gothic architecture in Europe.
This library has Designated Collections of national importance.
Venue Type:
Library, Archive
Additional info
The Library's collections are open to Readers aged 18 and over. However, to look at special material, a letter of reference is required.
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 3EH
England
Website
www.manchester.ac.uk/library/specialcollections/
Reader enquiries
jrul.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
Visitor and event information
Telephone
Reading Room
0161 275 3764
Visitor and Event enquiries
0161 306 0555
Main Library
0161 275 3751
Fax
0161 834 5574
The special collections and Manchester Medical Society Library are Designated Collections of national importance.
The special collections represent an outstanding national and regional resource, combining material of international significance with collections directly relevant to the history and wider impact of Manchester and the North West. The Manchester Medical Society Library contains medical printed books dating between c. 1800-1950, associated with the Manchester Medical Society.
Collection details
Social History, Literature, Archives
Key artists and exhibits
- Methodist Archives and Research Centre
- Labour History Archive and Study Centre
- Designated Collection
Collections services
- General guide to collections available
- Public access available to collections information
- Specialist publications on collections available
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 3EH
England
Website
www.manchester.ac.uk/library/specialcollections/
Reader enquiries
jrul.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
Visitor and event information
Telephone
Reading Room
0161 275 3764
Visitor and Event enquiries
0161 306 0555
Main Library
0161 275 3751
Fax
0161 834 5574
Tour and Treasures
With one of our curators, enjoy a closer look at material from the Library’s world famous collections and find out more about this magnificent building.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-1pm
Admission
Free. Booking for this event is essential - for more information, or to book a place please contact our Customer Services Team on 0161 306 0555 or jrul.events@manchester.ac.uk
Exploring Edo
The Library has a fascinating collection of Japanese books and manuscripts, including some particularly rare items. There are works on a great variety of subjects including history, biography, poetry, drama, the samurai and maps.
This small display offers a glimpse of these rarely seen items, and is timed to coincide with the events and activities taking place during our Japanese month – May 2012
Admission
Free
Website
St Bartholomew’s Day 1662
This exhibition commemorates the 350th anniversary of the events of St Bartholomew’s Day 1662 - a turning point in the history of religion in England which saw approximately 2000 ministers, including the grandfathers of John and Charles Wesley, expelled from the Church of England.
This has become known as ‘The Great Ejection’, an event which is seen as marking the birth of English Nonconformity and creating the religious context in which Methodism developed.
Drawing on the Library’s extensive collections of archive documents, manuscripts and printed material, St Bartholomew’s Day 1662 gives an account of the disputes between church and state in England which led up to the events of 1662 – including the English Reformation and the Civil War; explores the Great Ejection itself and also looks at the legacy of this momentous event.
Admission
Free
Website
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 3EH
England
Website
www.manchester.ac.uk/library/specialcollections/
Reader enquiries
jrul.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
Visitor and event information
Telephone
Reading Room
0161 275 3764
Visitor and Event enquiries
0161 306 0555
Main Library
0161 275 3751
Fax
0161 834 5574
Glimpses of Nihon-koku
In the company of experts from the University’s School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures explore the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy, take part in language taster sessions and more!
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
3-6:30pm
Website
A Doctor Who Adventure family sleepover
Watch two fantastic Doctor Who episodes - Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead. Make your own Journal of Impossible Things, take a torch-lit tour of the Library, solve the mystery of the missing TARDIS and then sleep in the Historic Reading Room - if you can! Come dressed as your favourite Doctor Who character- the best costume will win a very special prize.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Suitable for families with children aged 8-14. A picnic area will be available in the cafe, no food or drink is allowed in the Historic Reading Room. Ends 9.00am 19/05/2012
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
5-11:59pm
Admission
Booking is essential. To book a place for this event please contact our Customer Services Team on 0161 306 0555 or jrul.events@manchester.ac.uk
Website
Whimsical Wednesday workshops
Used by Renaissance artists and revived by the Pre-Raphaelites, drawing with metalpoint produces finely detailed and intricate mark making. This workshop offers the opportunity to prepare support paper and make a silverpoint drawing.
Suitable for
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 18+
- 16-17
- Not suitable for children
When
1-3pm
Admission
These activities are most suitable for adults or older children, all welcome.
Booking is essential. Please call 0161 306 0555 or jrul.events@manchester.ac.uk
Website
Unusual Views: Library Tours for Photographers
Take the opportunity to photograph the Library building from spectacular viewpoints not normally open to the public!
Suitable for
- 18+
- 16-17
- Not suitable for children
When
2:30-3:30pm
Admission
Booking for this event is essential - to book please contact our Customer Services Team on 0161 306 0555 or jrul.events@manchester.ac.uk
Website
Curator Tour and Collection Encounter
Join Dr. Gareth Lloyd, curator of St Bartholomew’s Day 1662, to explore and discuss the themes of the exhibition, and view further material from the Library’s collections.
Suitable for
- 18+
- Not suitable for children
When
12-12:45pm
Admission
Free but booking is essential. Please call 0161 306 0555 or jrul.events@manchester.ac.uk
Website
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 3EH
England
Website
www.manchester.ac.uk/library/specialcollections/
Reader enquiries
jrul.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
Visitor and event information
Telephone
Reading Room
0161 275 3764
Visitor and Event enquiries
0161 306 0555
Main Library
0161 275 3751
Fax
0161 834 5574
John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 3EH
England
Website
www.manchester.ac.uk/library/specialcollections/
Reader enquiries
jrul.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
Visitor and event information
Telephone
Reading Room
0161 275 3764
Visitor and Event enquiries
0161 306 0555
Main Library
0161 275 3751
Fax
0161 834 5574
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