Withington library

Brief description

On 13th October 1911, a library service was set up by the City Council in a house on the site of the present building. This had a stock of 1,861 books, as well as a newsroom. It soon became clear that a more substantial service in a purpose-built building was required. The present building was designed by Henry Price, a council architect who also designed Didsbury and Chorlton libraries.

Withington library was one of the first in Manchester to have a young people’s reading room.

Plans were announced in 2017 for a major refurbishment, which will add 2 new meeting rooms, plus new computers and furniture.

Current status: Still open as a public library, run by Manchester city council (2018)

• Year grant given (if known):
• Amount of grant: Partly financed by the Carnegie UK Trust: £5,000 from a total cost of £15,500
• Year opened: 30 May 1927, by the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine (Treasurer of the Carnegie UK Trust and President of the Library Association)

Photo of library today (2017):

 

© Copyright Gerald England and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Details:

With thanks to Neil MacInnes for this photo.

Old photo of library (postcard):

Nothing in my collection yet

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Web links:

• Withington history: Article on Withington library
• News article: Withington library set for major refurbishment (2017), also on the Manchester libraries blog: Withington library refurbishment