Manchester is one of the world’s top study destinations, ranking 27th worldwide among the world’s top student cities as of 2025. The city is home to prestigious universities, with its universities ranking as follows: the University of Manchester ranking 34th worldwide, the Manchester Metropolitan University ranking 601-610, and the University of Salford ranking 901-950.
This makes studying in the city’s institutions and the search for student apartments manchester and university-provided accommodation such as University of Manchester Accommodation in high demand.
Manchester is a city that is strongly focused on academics and steeped in history. This is why you’ll find historical campuses and libraries throughout the city. Whether you choose to study in a historical library or in state-of-the-art modern libraries, the city has it all. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through some of Manchester’s top libraries.
Manchester Central Library
The Manchester Central Library is a stunning place to study. Not only does it have a rich history spanning back to the 1930s and a distinct Art Deco style, but it also features a large collection of books, newspapers, and digital resources. The library also includes a cafe, a sound and vision facility, performance spaces, reading rooms, a music library, and so much more.
It is open all week round except for Sunday, when the library closes. Operating hours are typically from 9 am to 8 p.m, except for Friday and Saturday, when the library opens from 9 am to 5 p.m.
Chetham’s Library
If you’re looking for a library with more history, then Chetham’s Library is your go-to place. The library is said to be the first public library in the English-speaking nations, having been founded in 1653. The library is full of ancient manuscripts and old books. and also hosts events and exhibitions, which allow visitors to marvel at the library’s rich past.
This is open all week-round except for saturday and sunday and is open from 10:30 am to 3:30 p.m. library is built in the gothic style and is said to follow the same style as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
To study in the library, you must have a valid student ID or a letter of recommendation. Once done, you are more than welcome to read, study, and do research.
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library
This library is part of the University of Manchester and has a distinct Gothic Revival and Victorian style. It was first opened in 1900. The library houses a distinct collection of books and resources as well as stunning architecture; not only that, but it also hosts exhibitions and events.
The library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every week, except Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, when it closes.
Other Libraries
Manchester also has various other noteworthy local libraries. Some of the city’s noteworthy local libraries include Chorlton Library, Didsbury Library, and Withington Library.
Chorlton Library
Similarly to the previously mentioned libraries, the Chorlton Library is also a historic and listed library. It was initially funded by Andrew Carnegie in 1914. The library is currently closed but is set to open in 2025. Services include Wi-Fi, computers, book access, and book reservations.
It is usually open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Tuesday, when it closes at 8 p.m., and on Sunday and Wednesday, when it is closed.
Didsbury Library
Similarly to the Chorlton Library, the Didsbury Library is a historic library. It was opened in 1915 and was also funded by Andrew Carnegie. There, you can access books, computers, and Wi-Fi. Some of the library’s facilities include reading areas, classrooms, and a computer lab.
It is usually open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Monday and Tuesday, when it closes at 8 p.m., and on Sunday and Wednesday, when it is closed.
Withington Library
The Withington Library is a classic library founded in 1927. It features a wide range of resources, including classrooms, meeting rooms, reading areas, and computer labs.
The library is open Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, closed on Sundays, open Monday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 8 PM, and open Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition to the previously mentioned libraries, the city also features niche libraries that focus on specific interests. Examples of niche libraries in the city include the Working Class Movement Library and the Manchester Poetry Library.
Manchester is an exciting place to be and study. The city provides the perfect student environment, from its student-friendly nature to its amazing campuses and libraries. Explore the city through its sights, including its gorgeous historic libraries, which will give you the perfect environment to study. There, you’ll have the chance to both study and have a glimpse into the past as well as embracing modernity which will create a unique studying environment.