Member Article

Manchester historic library makes Great British landmark list

The University of Manchester’s John Rylands Library has made it onto a list of Great British landmarks, published by tourist board, Visit England.

The 19th-century building is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world with both the building and its collection of books retaining international significance.

A panel of experts have spent weeks deciding which landmarks would be named from more than 800 submissions to the ‘top 101 things to do before you go abroad’ list.

Revered for its Gothic architecture and inspiring collections, the library was named on the list on St George’s Day along with 100 other UK attractions.

Other North West attractions included the Chester Rows, Blackpool’s illuminations and artist Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ art installation on Crosby beach, Merseyside.

John Rylands is a working academic library where researchers can consult collections in the historic reading room.

It also houses an archive of collections and resources from cultural, literary, historical and religious traditions all over the world.

University librarian and director, Jan Wilkinson, said: “It is particularly special for us that The John Rylands Library has been named, by the public, as ‘one of the 101 things to do before you go abroad’.

“Library staff work exceptionally hard to care for the Library’s fantastic collections, and to bring them, and their stunning home, to life through our exhibitions and events.

“We take immense pride in ensuring that the splendour and beauty of the Library is still enjoyed by visitors from across the world today, and are absolutely delighted to see these efforts acknowledged in this way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .