Join the Portico community, become part of 217 years of the Library’s history and help shape its future.
Buy online below, or request an introductory chat at the Library on 0161 236 6785 or via admin.assistant@theportico.org.uk
Already a member? Access your special members’ web area here to enjoy our online services.
Access to the collection of more than 25,000 Georgian and Victorian books, plus a range of contemporary fiction and non-fiction
Over 40 magazines and five daily newspapers
Over 7,000 online newspapers, magazines, and journals via the PressReader mobile and desktop app
Use of the historic reading room, a quiet place to work, read, and dine
Access to the digital members’ forum at www.theportico.org.uk/member-sign-in
Free and secure WiFi
Generous loan periods with no fines for overdue books
Guided exhibition tours
Reference enquiries, photocopying, and research assistance
Town Membership £234
Annual Membership for the Portico Library (one non-retired person over 26-years-old with home address within 20 miles of the Library). On completing payment, you will instantly receive a digital membership certificate that can be printed or emailed to your chosen recipient.
Country Membership £165
Annual Membership for the Portico Library (one non-retired person over 26 years old with home address more than 20 miles from the Library). On completing payment, you will instantly receive a digital membership certificate that can be printed or emailed to your chosen recipient.
Student/Young Person’s Membership £73 was £234
Annual Membership for the Portico Library for one student or person aged 18 to 26 (proof of age/student ID required). On completing payment, you will instantly receive a digital membership certificate that can be printed or emailed to your chosen recipient.
Retired Membership £165
Annual Membership for the Portico Library (one retired person). On completing payment, you will instantly receive a digital membership certificate that can be printed or emailed to your chosen recipient.
Joint Membership, Town £350
Annual Joint Membership for the Portico Library (two non-retired people over 26 years old with a shared home address within 20 miles of the Library). On completing payment, you will instantly receive a digital membership certificate that can be printed or emailed to your chosen recipient.
Joint Membership, Country or Retired £246
Annual Joint Membership for the Portico Library (two retired people or with a shared home address more than 20 miles from the Library). On completing payment, you will instantly receive a digital membership certificate that can be printed or emailed to your chosen recipient.
Anyone can apply to use the Portico Library's beautiful 19th-century reading room and view the collection of over 25,000 books and 41 newspapers and periodicals with a temporary reader's pass, which can be purchased from just £10 per week, or £25 per month. Readers benefit from staff assistance on request, photocopying services, and free, secure wifi access. To apply to become a reader, either speak to a member of staff, or follow the link below. Readers are required to provide a letter of reference from a professional and one piece of official identification. Payment can be made at the Library by card, cash or cheque.
“I feel connected to my home city: The Library enriches the cultural life of Manchester, and I enjoy feeling part of that.”
“Being able to bring people (friends, colleagues and potential colleagues) to a special, historic space and seeing their reaction - the wow-moment at the door.”
“A drift into a more peaceful world: books, peace & quiet.”