Manchester Central Library

Manchester Central Library is a grade II listed building and is the second biggest library in the UK. It was first opened in 1934 and was renovated in 2014 to combine the building’s iconic features with contemporary design. The library hosts many exhibitions, archives, groups and events, with a cafe on site. On the first floor is the Great Hall, a large reading room topped by a dome. Around the rim of the dome is an inscription from the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament:[16]

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her and she shall promote thee; she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her, she shall give of thine head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory she shall deliver to thee.

Proverbs 4:7

The library uses digital technology to present archives going as far back as 1650. The archives bring together details surrounding Manchester’s history, including the developments that saw it become the world’s first industrial city. Additional history archives and services include genealogy resources and war archives.