We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Library.

Tours: Please use this link to go to the tour booking page. You can also Contact Us to discuss group visits or access arrangements.

Readers: Please get in touch via our Contact Us page to arrange a reader appointment. We will also be happy to do whatever we can to answer your queries or assist in research remotely. Please allow as much notice as possible for an appointment in person. Archival enquiries are dealt with Monday-Wednesday only.

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.

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 the earlier lockdown.