The John Rylands Library entrance

Opening hours

Opening hours for visitors and the Special Collections Reading Room.

Closure date: Thursday 15 June 2023

Please note that the John Rylands Research Institute and Library will be closed on the following date:

  • Thursday 15 June 2023

Rylands will reopen on Friday 16 June 2023.

Visitors

Rylands is open to visitors:

  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday: closed
  • Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
  • Thursday: 10am to 5pm
  • Friday: 10am to 5pm
  • Saturday: 10am to 5pm
  • Sunday: closed

Please note last entry is 20 minutes before closing.

Reader Services

Researchers can book appointments to access material in the Special Collections Reading Room at the JRRIL by using our booking request form. If you have any trouble with this form, please email the reading room team at: uml.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk.

You can also use the booking request form to book an hour-long digital appointment to view a small amount of Special Collections via a Zoom call.

  • In-person appointments are available from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm (extended opening hours on Thursdays, 10am to 7pm)
  • Digital appointments are avaliable from Monday to Friday at 11am, 2pm and 3pm.

Limited spaces are available, and you must book a place in advance before coming to the reading room. We ask for three day's notice to view most items, except for those requiring curatorial approval or delivery from off-site which may take longer. A member of staff will check the status of the material and confirm the date and location of your appointment.