In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Manchester Central Library has launched a free self-guided audio tour, inviting the public to explore the library’s rich history and current offerings. The tour takes visitors across all floors of the library, uncovering secrets from its 90-year legacy and its dynamic present.
Featuring narration by 12 Central Library staff members, the audio tour guides listeners through 17 significant locations within the library, marked by orange “bus stop” signs. Each stop is equipped with a QR code that visitors can scan with their phones to access short audio clips, where expert staff share historical insights and details about each location.
The tour begins with an introduction in Shakespeare Hall, with stops that include:
- Shakespeare Hall (Ground Floor)
- The Reading Girl (Ground Floor Stairs)
- Exhibition Hall (1st Floor)
- Henry Watson Music Library (1st Floor)
- Wolfson Reading Room (1st Floor)
- Business & IP Centre (2nd Floor)
- Chief Librarian’s Office (3rd Floor)
- 4th Floor View of The Dome
- Reference Library (4th Floor)
- The City Library (Lower Ground Floor)
- The Children’s Library (Lower Ground Floor)
- Archives + and Film Pods (Ground Floor)
- The Historic Stack (Ground Floor)
- Manchester Visitor Information Centre (Ground Floor)
- Peterloo Memorial / Library Walk (Ground Floor)
For those interested in following the full trail in sequence, the entire playlist is available on SoundCloud. This self-guided tour offers a unique and engaging way to experience the iconic Manchester Central Library, making it a must-see for all visitors.
