Events and exhibitions
Find out what events are taking place and what’s coming up.
Collections Gallery
Find out more about the Collections Gallery
The Secret Public
Find out more about the Secret Public exhibition
Manchester Digital Exhibitions
Browse online exhibitions to explore our collections and curated research from anywhere in the world.
Regular activities
Find out more about our drop-in activities.
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Rare Reads
26 June 2025, 2.10pm-2.50pm
During our Rare Reads facsimile encounters we share beautifully accurate copies of some of our most famous objects. The incredibly rare special collections housed within The John R.. -
Rylands Discovery Tour
26 June 2025, 3pm-3.30pm
During our Rylands Discovery Tours our staff will travel with you through the library spaces and share the fascinating history of the founding of the library, the breadth of the ra.. -
The Christian Brethren Archive: Chief Men Among the Brethren
26 June 2025, 2.30pm-3.30pm
Join us at the John Rylands Library for a lecture on the Christian Brethren, hosted by David Bebbington, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Stirling. The John Ryla.. -
Printing Press Demonstration
27 June 2025, 11.30am-12pm
We showcase the use of our antique and fully functional Colombian printing press. Based on the collections, the prints are free to take home after the demonstration. The John Rylan.. -
Rare Reads
27 June 2025, 10.40am-11.20am
During our Rare Reads facsimile encounters we share beautifully accurate copies of some of our most famous objects. The incredibly rare special collections housed within The John R.. -
Rare Reads
27 June 2025, 2.10pm-2.50pm
During our Rare Reads facsimile encounters we share beautifully accurate copies of some of our most famous objects. The incredibly rare special collections housed within The John R.. -
Rylands Discovery Tour
27 June 2025, 3pm-3.30pm
During our Rylands Discovery Tours our staff will travel with you through the library spaces and share the fascinating history of the founding of the library, the breadth of the ra.. -
Rylands Discovery Tour
28 June 2025, 11am-11.30am
During our Rylands Discovery Tours our staff will travel with you through the library spaces and share the fascinating history of the founding of the library, the breadth of the ra.. -
Curator tour: The Secret Public LGBTQ Pop 1955-1985
3 July 2025, 3pm-3.30pm
Join us for a tour around our new exhibition led by curator Mat Bancroft. The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955-1985 explores the profound influence of LGBTQ performers, artists and ac.. -
Curator tour: The Secret Public LGBTQ Pop 1955-1985
7 August 2025, 3pm-3.30pm
Join us for a tour around our new exhibition led by curator Mat Bancroft. The Secret Public: LGBTQ Pop 1955-1985 explores the profound influence of LGBTQ performers, artists and ac..