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Special Collections

The Deansgate facade of the John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library, Deansgate

The John Rylands Library, Deansgate, houses some of the most significant books and manuscripts ever produced. The magnificent neo-gothic building in Manchester's city centre is a major visitor attraction as well as a research library of world renown.

The collections include exquisite medieval illuminated manuscripts, examples of the earliest forms of European printing including the Gutenberg Bible, as well as the personal papers of distinguished historical figures including Elizabeth Gaskell, John Dalton and John Wesley.

Opening times

[Part of The John Rylands Library]

From 1 February, the John Rylands Library will be closed to visitors on Monday mornings instead of Tuesday mornings. Other opening times are unaffected.

Check our opening hours for full details.

What's On

[Detail from Ornance Survey 1:2 500 sheet 104.x, 1893]

Mapping Manchester: Cartographic Stories of the City

Maps can tell us many different stories about the places where we live and work. This exhibition show how mapping is particularly ingrained ito urban life; it demonstrates how maps work and how they have evolved over time - reflecting changes in technology, society and economic conditions.

Friends of the John Rylands

[Friends of the Rylands at a fund raising event]

A UK registered charity intended to support one of the world's finest libraries. The Friends will appeal to all those interested in the John Rylands Library and to lovers of books in general.

Find out more about the Friends, its activities and how to join.

St John Fragment

[A portion of the St. John fragment] This small fragment of St John's Gospel dates from the early 2nd century AD, and is probably the earliest surviving fragment of the New Testament in any language.
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