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John Rylands Research Institute and Library

Events and exhibitions

Find out what events are taking place and what’s coming up.

Printing Press Demonstration

29 May 2026, 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

29 May 2026, 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

29 May 2026, 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

29 May 2026, 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..
Walt Whitman in Manchester: The Local Presence of America's Global Poet

29 May 2026, 1pm-2pm
Join us to hear more about the work and influence of Walt Whitman told through archives held at Library. We'll be joined by Professor Karen Karbiener who has explored the legacy of..
Rylands Discovery Tour

30 May 2026, 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..
The Forgotten Library: Collection Encounter

30 May 2026, 2.10pm-3.30pm
A special weekend encounter to mark what would have been Enriqueta Rylands' birthday. The Forgotten Library exhibition aims to dig into the unique collection of items that belonged..
Hive of Pride: Collections Encounter Pete Shelley Archive

4 June 2026, 2.10pm-3.20pm
Join us at The John Rylands Library for a special collections encounter exploring material from the archive of Pete Shelley, frontman of the influential Manchester punk band Buzzco..
What is History For?

6 June 2026, 10am-4pm
What is the purpose of history today? This event aims to answer this question in creative ways. University of Manchester researchers and local social, civic and political histor..
Books that Matter

12 June 2026, 10.30am-4pm
Libraries are places where books move and people meet, past and present, real and imagined. That’s how great stories begin. Inspired by The Forgotten Library exhibition, this eve..