Chetham’s Library has been in continuous use as a public library for over 350 years. It is housed in a beautiful sandstone building dating from 1421 which was built to accommodate the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church. The entire collection at Chetham’s Library has been designated as one of national and international importance. The Library is also an accredited museum, attracting visitors from all over the world.

We’re happy to say we’re now open again for visitors who want to see the medieval buildings and library (pre-booked tickets only at present), and you can book your visit here. We look forward to seeing you!

If you’re coming to us as a reader or researcher, you can find out about our collections here and in our catalogues. If you’d like to see what aspects of the Library you can explore from your screen, please start with our From Home page, which we developed during lockdown. You’ll need an appointment in advance, so please give as much notice as possible for your intended visit. We can be contacted on the email addresses on our Contact Us page.