Join us in a relaxed session to explore a selection of mysterious books of the week at the Portico Library, an independent library in the heart of Manchester, that has been open for more than 200 years. We house 25,000 books, pamphlets and historic paper-based volumes in our original 1806 building. The books are selected by the library staff and volunteers. In the session you will have a chance to explore, hold and experience historic books up close with our team.
No booking required, just pop in.
You don’t have to be a member to join. This is free for everyone. Suitable for 16+ years old.
The theme for this very first one is ‘Go Big or Go Home’. In the midst of the biggest project the library have ever embarked on to reunite the building, ‘Portico Reunited,’ we are taking the time to look closer and dive deeper into the fascinating books in our library. What better than sharing them with our visitors?
Access
There will be chairs available for you to sit down. The Library’s main entrance is via the green doors on Charlotte Street at the corner with Mosley Street. There is an intercom button next to the doors, please press for entry.
There are 32 steps from the main entrance to the library and currently no lift. There is a handrail, and a chair is placed on each landing. Toilets are available for visitors, located on the landings.
There is a stair-lift at the Library’s back entrance on Back George Street, accessed by a portable ramp, but currently no step-free or accessible toilets. Please be aware the stairlift has a maximum weight of 120kg.
Full access information can be found here https://www.theportico.org.uk/accessibility
If you have any question, please email engagement@theportico.org.uk (Apapat)