Library all-nighters were pretty much an essential (and soul-destroying) part of the uni experience. Bulky reading lists and 9am deadlines meant it was hard to step back and appreciate the actual beauty of those book-filled buildings. But once you’ve escaped all that, you realise that UK really does have some stunning academic libraries.
And among some of the most spectacular is Manchester University’s John Rylands Library. The huge neo-Gothic building is the third-biggest academic library in the country and basically looks like it could be a cathedral. Now, it’s set to undergo a massive £7.6 million makeover.
Manchester City Council gave the refurb plans the all clear last week. The project has been title John Rylands Next Chapter and will see an update to its exhibition space, a refresh of the main entrance, a new flexible event space and an advanced imaging library.
Considered one of the ‘great libraries of the world’ the majestic library was built in 1990 to rival those of Oxford and Cambridge. Since then it’s become home to an important collection of rare books and manuscripts – like the oldest known part of the New Testament and the manuscripts of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Professor Christopher Pressler, librarian and director of The University of Manchester library, said: ‘I am tremendously proud to lead this remarkable institution as we approach our 125th anniversary in 2025.
‘The Next Chapter project will deliver world-class facilities for research and engagement, of a quality to match our extraordinary collections and building. It will equip the Rylands to address the many challenges and opportunities of the mid-21st century, and it will reinforce the Rylands’ importance to the University, the city of Manchester, and world heritage.’
All things Mancs
There are all sorts of refurbs and new builds coming to Manchester over the next year or two. Just last week we reported on the city's plans to build one of the UK’s tallest skyscrapers. Before that, we told you all about its plans to build a massive new ice rink. One top of that, a huge, multi-million pound music venue is opening in April and this neglected market hall is getting a mega glow-up. And before all of that comes to fruition, there’s loads more stuff in the city worth checking out over on our Manchester hub.
Did you see that the UK’s vaping capital has been revealed? (It’s not London).
Plus: A new project wants to unearth Scotland’s ‘lost’ ancient forests.
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