The John Rylands Library
FREE ENTRY, OPEN DAILY
What’s on March – September 2017
Until 27 August 2017 www.manchester.ac.uk/rylands
Welcome The John Rylands Library is a place of wonder; a glorious, unrepentant celebration of imagination and learning.
“ Your library is your paradise” Desiderius Erasmus
Free to visit and open seven days a week, it was created more than 100 years ago as a gift to Manchester and its people. For some, the Library is a sanctuary amid the city hubbub; a tranquil space of soaring pillars, private corners and beautiful decoration. For others, it’s a testament to our perpetual desire to communicate. The Library’s extraordinary collections reflect more than five millennia of writing, thinking and sharing. For all it’s a love story; of Mrs Enriqueta Rylands’ determination to keep her husband’s name alive, to create a world-class literary resource and to give it to city she adored. How best to explore The John Rylands Library? This Guide is your starting point. Whether you have half an hour or a whole afternoon, our suggestions on page 6 will help you make the most of your visit.
Our collections are showcased through our exhibitions. Our latest, The Life of Objects (page 4), is an exhibition of the unexpected. Instead of books and manuscripts, it showcases some of the more unusual objects in our collection. Throughout the year we hold regular events, library tours and family activities (page 8). Sign up for our e-newsletter via our website and you’ll never miss out. Of course, no visit is complete without a cup of tea in our airy café and a browse around our shop. The John Rylands Library is a working public library. Find out how to join as a reader - it’s free - on page 11.
Have a wonderful visit!
Other ways to find out what’s on /TheJohnRylands @TheJohnRylands rylandscollections.wordpress.com Sign up to our e-newsletter via the website 2
What’s on | March - September 2017
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Libraries have long been guardians of the written word. At The John Rylands Library, words are only part of the picture - as our latest exhibition illustrates. The Life of Objects could be described as an exhibition of the unexpected. Instead of books and manuscripts, it showcases some of the more unusual objects in our collection. Although humble – the objects range from a beaded bag to a battered pair of baby shoes – each of these objects has its own tale to tell. That bag, for example, describes both literary celebrity and unrequited love. It belonged to Mary Chaworth, best known for spurning the advances of the scandalous and brilliant poet, Lord Byron.
The baby shoes, meanwhile, speak of Adam Johnson, a boy from Stalybridge who became a much-heralded poet – until an AIDS-related virus killed him at the age of just 28.
“These objects might have come to us alongside books but they’re intriguing in their own right,” says exhibition curator, Stella Halkyard. “They’re linked to people who have made their mark on history, and they help us get closer to the writers, artists and theologians to whom they belonged. Yet while they tell quite personal stories, they also sum up those big, universal themes of life and death, love or inspiration.” With a selection of objects linked to figures as diverse as 20th century composer Delia Derbyshire, the preacher John Wesley and the artist Li Yuan chia, this is an exhibition whose stories leap across history, geography and gender – and rewards time spent uncovering the subtle connections between them. But the exhibition does something else, too. It challenges the idea that libraries are simply about books.
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What’s on | March - September 2017
“Technology, social media, the age of science: all of these things mean that images now matter as much as text,” says Stella. “We tell stories in a much more visual way than in the past, which means that objects can speak to us as eloquently as words.” So, while The John Rylands Library will remain a literary guardian it is now also, as Stella puts it, “a space to feel things, as well as to learn”.
The Life of Objects A collection of curious objects, each with a tale to tell. Until 27 August 2017 Open daily, free entry. #jrlobjects
www.manchester.ac.uk/rylands
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Making the most of your visit Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, a trip to The John Rylands Library is always worthwhile.
“Beautifully curated exhibition and awe-inspiring architecture”
Our recommendations are designed to help you make best use of the time you’ve got.
If you have…
20 minutes
Historic Reading Room No visit is complete without it. Intricately-carved stone corridors lead you to the Library’s magnificent centrepiece. Pore over rare books on display, watch the light stream through the stained glass window or simply absorb the spectacular neo-Gothic architecture.
30 minutes
Historic Reading Room – Rylands Gallery The Rylands Gallery holds rare and precious items from our collections. The Library’s most famous artefact - a fragment of the Gospel of St John, one of the earliest surviving pieces of New Testament - is on permanent display here.
Don’t forget to…
• Browse through our eclectic,
60 minutes
Historic Reading Room – Rylands Gallery – Exhibitions Our regularly changing exhibitions provide a unique insight into our vast collections and the stories they tell. Sign up to our e-newsletter or visit our website to see what you’ll discover on your visit.
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What’s on | March - September 2017
Over an hour
Take part in one of our activities The Library’s regular events programme (page 8) includes free tours, printing demonstrations, late night opening and close encounters with our collections. There’s always extra fun during the school holidays and our free family trail is great if you’re bringing little ones.
collection-inspired shop for great presents and souvenirs • Enjoy a light snack or tasty lunch in our airy café • Spend a penny in one of the last original Victorian lavatories in Manchester. Look out for the ‘bustle space’ on the seats in the Ladies • Ask questions! We love helping people enjoy their visit
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Regular events
“An inspiring place”
Introductory tours An unmissable 30 minute tour: get an exclusive tour of the Library, discover the stories behind the building and collections and learn more about their history. Tours run every Wednesday and Friday, 3 - 3.30pm, and you can just turn up.
Thursday lates The third Thursday of every month, the Library stays open until 7pm. Explore the building after hours, engage with history and culture and marvel at the magnificent architecture in a completely different light.
Collection encounters Insightful and inspiring, get up close to fascinating items from our collections, ask questions and share your own stories and understanding of them. Everyone is welcome and no prior knowledge is needed. See the website for details.
Family activities Join us throughout the year for creative activities inspired by our collections and exhibitions, from mystical trails to magical story time. With extra holiday-time events, there’s plenty of free family fun to be had in our captivating and ‘a little bit spooky’ Library.
Visit www.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/ whats-on/events to view our current and upcoming events
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“Simply a magnificent building”
Plan your visit Opening times: Monday:
12noon - 5pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday:
12noon - 5pm
The Library is open until 7pm every third Thursday of the month. Closed: 23 December 2016 to 3 January 2017
Take a picture Shop
The Library’s architecture makes for a great photo but we’re unable to allow photography of collection items on display, due to the delicate nature of these items.
The John Rylands shop has a range of unusual and beautiful gifts inspired by the Library’s vast collections and the building itself. Look out for detailed prints, decorative postcards and books alongside handy stationery and ornate wrapping paper.
Feel free to ask a member of staff for advice.
Joining the Library Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join the Library as a reader. Access to the collections is free and we can advise you on how to find material.
Café Whether you’re working, shopping or visiting the Library, our café is a great choice for refreshments. The freshly prepared menu features delicious snacks, savouries and beverages including a children’s selection. We take pride in sourcing the finest seasonal produce from local suppliers and offering a range of ethically traded teas and coffees.
Access
For further details please contact the Reader Services team on 0161 275 3764 or uml.specialcollections@manchester.ac.uk
The modern entrance provides level access with power-assisted doors and an accessible toilet. There is lift access to all public areas except the Historic Entrance and the Historic Toilets. Guide dogs are welcome.
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Getting here Situated on Deansgate, in the heart of Manchester, The John Rylands Library is easily accessible by road, tram, train and foot. Nearest Metrolink: St Peter’s Square Nearest car park: NCP on Watson Street Nearest train station: Deansgate Nearest bus stop: Albert Square / Metroshuttle 1 and 2 (stop directly outside The John Rylands Library)
For information on nearby parking including blue badge parking, please visit www.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/visit-us or contact our Visitor Engagement team on 0161 306 0555.
The John Rylands Library 150 Deansgate Manchester M3 3EH
/TheJohnRylands
jrl.visitors@manchester.ac.uk www.manchester.ac.uk/rylands 0161 306 0555
rylandscollections.wordpress.com
@TheJohnRylands
Sign up to our e-newsletter via the website
For a large print version of this document visit www.manchester.ac.uk/rylands/visit-us
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