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The John Rylands Library

Events and exhibitions

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

The Forgotten Library: Collection Encounter

25 September 2026, 2.10pm-3.30pm
The Forgotten Library exhibition aims to dig into the unique collection of items that belonged to Enriqueta Rylands, the founder of the John Rylands Library; in particular her pers..
Manchester's Medieval Faire at the Rylands

26 September 2026, 11am-4pm
Join the John Rylands Library for activities linked to Manchester's Medieval Faire 2026. Sessions will take place across the day, including short talks and a printing press demonst..
Rylands Discovery Tour

26 September 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..
Printing Press Demonstration

30 September 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

30 September 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

30 September 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

30 September 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..
Reading Round at The John Rylands Library

1 October 2026, 5.30pm-7pm
Inspired by The Forgotten Library exhibition and Enriqueta Rylands' lifelong devotion to books and learning, we invite you to join a Reading Round in partnership with the Royal Lit..
Manchester Literature Festival presents Karen Solie: Rylands Poetry Reading

22 October 2026, 7pm-8.15pm
This year’s annual Rylands Poetry Reading is delivered by Karen Solie. Her latest collection Wellwater, exploring the profound impact of economic and environmental crises on huma..