Overview

The John Rylands Research Institute and Library is a magnificent neo gothic building, think Hogwarts! The historic building has a modern extension which makes it easy to access the historic parts of the building. The library was founded by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands in memory of her husband, John Rylands, and opened in 1900. Today, it is part of the University of Manchester, with a world class collection of rare books, manuscripts and archives. The building is open to the public, who can visit exhibitions, events or simply enjoy the stunning architecture. I attended a two day conference at the Library, the conference was held in the Christie Room and the evening session took place in the Historic Reading Room.

Transport & Parking

There are a few step free public transport options for getting to the library. Free Bus Shuttle There are free shuttle buses that operate round the city centre daily. The Number 2 Bus stops the closest, on Deansgate directly opposite the library. It runs about every ten minutes and it takes a circle route from Station Approach at Piccadilly Station and stops at several points including Victoria Station and Oxford Road. Please note that there are other buses that stop close by, but there is a cost to using them. Tram Manchester tram network is modern and accessible. The nearest stop to the library is St Peter's Square from there it is about a 8 - 10 minute level walk to the library. I was staying in a hotel just off St Peter's Square and on both days I walked from my hotel to the Library and I found the journey manageable. It's also through a busy, but not crowded part of the city, so I felt safe walking to the library. If you use the tram, just remember you need to both tap in and out when you arrive at your destination.

Access

The Library faces onto Deansgate. However, the entrance to the library is through its modern, glass fronted extension, in Spinningfield, an open space/ square, adjacent to the library. The entrance has a revolving door and an automatic push button door. A low level reception desk is on the right hand side when you enter. In this area is also the shop. Next to the shop was a cordoned off section for the conference delegates, where we could sit, socialise and have our lunch and refreshments. The seating here was a combination of sofas, firm arm chairs and dining chairs. There is step free access via a lift to all floors of the building, the only exception are the Historic entrance and toilets, which are only accessible by stairs. On the first floor where my meeting was being held, there was a ramp with handrails on both sides connecting the new and old parts of the building. There are also stairs with handrails to all floors, with the stairs in the historic part of building there is a single, central handrail. The corridors have flagstones. Please be aware that the building is lit by its original lights so the lighting levels are lower in places. I didn't visit all the library as I was there attending a conference. The Historic Reading Room was laid out for a talk and there were plenty of seats.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet in the basement of the modern part of the building. This is requires a RADAR key which you can get from the staff at the reception desk by the entrance. I asked why the toilet needed a RADAR key, given that not everyone who uses an accessible toilet has one. The staff informed me that as there are only a few cubicles in the other other toilets, members of the public have used the accessible toilet when it has been unlocked and this has delayed disabled people being able to use it. The accessible toilet door is manual. Inside there plenty of grab rails and an emergency cord that reaches to the floor. The water and soap dispenser are operated by a sensor. There was a large bin in the corner which may make it difficult for wheelchair users to transfer. The toilet was quite spacious, clean, tidy and well maintained.

Staff

Staff were wonderful, helpful and very friendly. I was welcomed when I arrived given directions to the lift, the meeting room and accessible toilet. On the first evening there was a display of some of their collections that pertained to the history of children in care, which was the subject of the conference I was attending. Some of the items on display were about Deaf and disabled children.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This is the perfect example of how a Grade 1 Listed Building can be transformed and made accessible for disabled people. I loved the building and its accessibility gave me freedom and independence. Huge thank you to the staff who were all so very helpful. Highly recommend and hope to return in the future.

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